THE MILLWRIGHT'S APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

The following information is provided by the unionized Construction Industry of Ontario.

What is a Construction Millwright?

The general all-round machinery installation and repair people on a construction project are called Construction Millwrights.

What do Construction Millwrights do?

As a Construction Millwright, the job involves installing, repairing and maintaining machinery during the construction phase of new plants and other facilities. Some Millwright jobs are quite complex involving the installation of a variety of equipment related to the automotive industry.

How do I Learn the Construction Millwright Trade?

Training to become a Construction Millwright is available through an apprenticeship program offered by the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, through the Millwright District Council of Ontario.

What is an Apprentice?

An apprentice is someone who is learning a trade by working under the guidance of a union construction millwright, called a journeyperson. It is 90% on-the-job and 10% classroom training. You earn while you learn, and are paid by the hour while you are working on the job site. Apprentices wages start at 60% of the journeyperson's hourly rate of pay with periodic increases in pay until you reach the full journeyperson's rate. The Construction Millwrights Apprenticeship Program involves a maximum of four periods, each with 2000 hours of training. The classroom training included runs for twenty-four weeks at a College of Applied Arts and Technology.

Preparing Myself for a Career in the Construction Millwright Trade

When applications are received by the Union, you must be at least 16 years of age and have a minimum Grade 12 education, with a mechanical aptitude. This is a job for a generalist -- someone with a good basic understanding of machines and their workings. It requires the ability to solve problems and decide which job gets priority. Physical strength is also an asset.

What Courses are Included in the Training for an Apprentice Construction Millwright?

Training includes the following trade-related topics: math and science, communications, drafting and blueprint reading, hand and power tools, measuring devices, layout, fabrication (material preparation, forming, bending and erection procedures), bearings, seals, shafting and couplings, clutches, drives, mechanisms, hydraulics, pneumatics, lubrication, foundation rigging, location and leveling, run-in procedures and conveyors, hoisting and rigging, forklift, and occupational health and safety standards.

Hours and Working Conditions of a Construction Millwright

Construction Millwrights generally work 7 1/2 hours a day, five days a week. As a Millwright's work is mainly indoors, sturdy work clothes along with the proper safety equipment should be worn at all times.

The Benefits Really Add Up

The rewards of Union Apprenticeship Training are the good wages and benefits you receive as a skilled craftsperson. Union Millwrights belong to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, one of the largest trade unions in North America and will working under the protection of a union contract, with insurance, pension, and health and welfare benefits. In the long run, it pays to become a Construction Millwright, trained through a Union Apprenticeship!

NOTE: The information above is subject to change and should be verified with the responsible union apprenticeship program management.

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