Millwrights and Machine Repair Career Guide

Millwrights are skilled tradesmen that are trained to install, service and maintain a wide variety of large industrial equipment that requires precision work and attention to detail. Millwrights work in factories, Utility plants and other large industrial locations. The work of an Millwright is diverse and constantly changing. This career field is in high demand and employers are constantly looking to hire workers that are willing to learn an exciting and challenging career.

A welder is repairing industrial mechanical equipment.

Worker welding mechanical equipment.

Job that is in demand
The Industrial machine repair and installation field is constantly growing. At the same time many workers are beginning to retire. Therefore, there are many great career opportunities for people interested in becoming a Millwright.
Interesting and Challenging
Millwrights are always learning new skills to improve their ability to safely install large industrial equipment. The work is very diverse and constantly changing.
No College Degree Required
You do not need an expensive college degree to work as a Millwright. Many workers have acquired training through trade schools, apprenticeships, community colleges, the military or on the job training with an employer.

Where you can work as a Millwright and job responsibilities

Contractor

Installation and repair of industrial machinery is a challenging and constantly changing work environment. No job is the same and this requires Millwrights to constantly adapt and apply creative and precise skills to get the job done quickly, safely and efficiently. These workers frequently travel to various work locations, work in crews and can work significant overtime.

Maintenance Department

Working Conditions

Millwrights typically work in commercial and industrial locations such as factories, utility plants and other large industrial locations. They install, move, repair and maintain large industrial machinery and other various equipment. These workers work outside, in confined spaces, dirty areas, exposed to heights, use scaffolding, use precision equipment, have good math skills, perform welding, heavy lifting, rigging, and frequently use blueprints. Millwrights receive OSHA, first aid and other job related safety training to ensure projects are completed safely. Workers typically work in crews and must commute to various work sites.

Career Progression Idea's

Here are some career progression idea's for Millwrights and Machine Repairmen that have several years of experience and training.

Management

Millwrights can learn valuable skills throughout their career that can help them advance to the position of facility manager, service manager or supervisor. These managers typically lead skilled tradesmen in the safe and efficient maintenance and repair of large facilities or various building equipment. They are knowledgeable in building codes, OSHA regulations, industry practices and workforce leadership.

Owner

Mechanical, boiler and building inspectors ensure new installations, buildings and boilers are safe for operation. Mechanical inspectors typically provide inspection of new installations in residential and commercial locations. Boiler inspectors provide inspection for new and existing boilers. Many state Governments employ boiler inspectors along with insurance company's. Inspectors typically need to be licensed and have several years of experience and training.

Instructor

Sales Engineers work for product manufactures and help customers in the selection and use of their companies products. These workers help the customer select the correct product for the application, provide training and can assist in troubleshooting various problems that may occur. Sales Engineers usually requires some formal training, college, apprenticeship, years of experience and excellent people skills.

How much money you can make as a Millwright and how to get started

Compensation

A great website to get an idea of how much money you could possibly make as a Millwright is The Bureau of Labor Statistics. It provides some excellent compensation information for various occupations throughout the United States.

The Occupational Employment Statistics program provides compensation information for various occupations. Click here for more information on Millwrights compensation-https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499044.htm

Apprenticeships

A great way to get started working as a Millwright is an Apprenticeship program through a local Union. As an apprentice you will work for a union contractor and also attend classes at a union training facility. Apprenticeship programs typically last 4-5 years and apprentices receive pay increase as they progress throughout the program. Check out the following Union for more information regarding Apprenticeship programs in your area.

The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America-https://www.carpenters.org/

Another good website to check out for information regarding apprenticeship programs is ResumeBuilder.com. Not only do they have great information on creating resumes they also have apprenticeship information for each state. Visit https://www.resumebuilder.com/apprenticeship-resources-by-state/

Community College

Most Millwrights get their training from a Union apprenticeship program. This is possibly the most common way to get employed as a Millwright. However, some community colleges may offer classes in Industrial machine maintenance and repair. Students that take these classes may work towards a certificate or an associates degree. This may help the student obtain a job as a Millwright or improve their chance of getting accepted into an apprenticeship program.

Military

There are many skilled trades and construction occupations throughout the United States Armed Forces. These occupations will certainly help develop important skills that are relevant to the Industrial machine repair and installation field such as welding, use of precision tools, attention to detail, rigging and reading blueprints. Each military branch has personnel that are highly trained to service, maintain and install anything that exist on a military base. Enlisted members of the Armed Forces, complete a basic training course then they must complete additional training before they begin working in their occupation. Members of the Armed Forces get 30 days of vacation each year, food and housing, medical, dental and many other important benefits. Educational benefits are available during your enlistment period and upon completion. Joining the military can be a great way to learn a skilled trades or construction occupation.

Always contact a Military Recruiter to learn more detailed information on job opportunities, training, benefits and other important information for employment within the Armed Forces.

Explore our career resources for other Skilled Trades jobs that are in demand today

The Trades are in demand and hiring today! View our career resources for other skilled trade careers and learn how to get started in a rewarding skilled trade job. Learn what trades are most in demand today, how to get started and how much money you can make in the trades. It's a great time to Go Skilled Trades!

Skilled Trades Career Resources

Many Skilled Tradesmen have acquired their training through an apprenticeship program, trade school, the military or while working on the job. You do not need an expensive college degree to work in the Skilled Trades, facility maintenance or Construction field.

No College Degree Required

You do not need an expensive college degree to work in the skilled trades field. Many skilled tradesmen today, have acquired their training through apprenticeships, military, trade schools or working on the job.

No Expensive Student Loans

The average college student today graduates with a significant amount of debt due to their expensive student loans. On the other hand, an apprentice gets paid while completing their training program.

Great Rewarding Careers

There are many Skilled Trades and Construction career opportunities available today. Employers are constantly looking for workers with a good work ethic and the ability to learn new skills.