Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)
Millwrights install, repair, overhaul and maintain machinery and heavy mechanical equipment, such as conveyor systems in diverse settings including repair shops, plants, construction sites, mines, logging operations, ski hills and most production and manufacturing facilities. Millwright is designated as Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) under the Inter-provincial Red Seal program. (Find out about Red Seal in the Trades Lingo section.)What do these workers do?
(Source: BC Work Futures)
A millwright's varied responsibilities can include:
Take delivery of new equipment, unloading and inspecting it, moving it into position, and assembling and mounting it on a suitable platform.
Lift and move light machinery using pulleys, cables and hoists. Placing machinery in seemingly inaccessible spots requires careful attention to safety.
Work with hydraulic lift-trucks and crane operators for handling heavier equipment. Some millwrights are also licensed to use boom cranes and other vertical lifting machinery.
Consult with management concerning the best placement for machinery. Millwrights are often part of the design and production team that helps the plant meet its production demands.
Prepare and build proper mounts for equipment with suitable materials. You may oversee a construction crew when building foundation supports for large machines.
Follow manufacturer's blueprints and drawings in assembly work.
Fit bearings, align gears and wheels, attach motors and connect and adjust belts.
Use precision measuring devices,such as squares, calipers and micrometers.
Use welders cutting torches, lathes, grinders and common hand and power tools.
Repair or replace worn parts. Preventative maintenance keeps the production line running and avoids expensive repairs.
Read the full Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) Profile (40Kb pdf).
