Industrial Mechanic Millwright apprentices inspecting a transport truck engine

Apprenticeship

Industrial Mechanic Millwright Apprenticeship

In the Industrial Mechanic Millwright Apprenticeship program, you will learn how to install, maintain, and troubleshoot industrial machinery through hands-on shop work and applied technical training.

Program Start Options

IntakeDurationFormatCampusDomesticInternational
433A
Any Time
2–5 years (varies by trade)
Part-Time
In-Person
Thunder Bay
Domestic students accepted
International students not accepted

The Industrial Mechanic Millwright Apprenticeship program (trade code 433A) is designed to equip apprentices with a comprehensive set of skills and knowledge necessary for a career in maintaining and servicing complex machinery and mechanical equipment. This includes work on mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, fuel, lubrication, cooling, and exhaust systems, along with a variety of machinery such as pumps, fans, tanks, conveyors, presses, and generators.

Throughout the apprenticeship, theoretical knowledge is complemented by practical application and hands-on experiences. Safety, problem-solving skills, and craftsmanship are emphasized to prepare apprentices for the challenges presented by increasingly complex industrial machinery. The program also includes regular evaluations to ensure consistency in learning outcomes.

An Industrial Mechanic Millwright Apprentice is generally trained in areas such as:

  • Workshop Practices
  • Rigging and Hoisting
  • Drawings and Schematics
  • Power Transmissions
  • Machine Technology
  • Fluid Power
  • Welding and Fabrication
  • Electrical and Electronic Controls

Top Highlights

  1. Workshop Practices: Apprentices learn to use a variety of machine tools like lathes, milling machines, grinders, and fabrication tools. They also gain proficiency in using precision tools such as micrometers and levels, and testing equipment for vibration analysis.
  2. Mechanical Theory and Applications: The program covers the principles of mechanics and thermodynamics, teaching apprentices about force, torque, energy, and the properties and strength of materials.
  3. Machine Technology: Training includes understanding material handling systems, prime movers, fans, blowers, and the importance of preventive and predictive maintenance.
  4. Fluid Power: This part of the curriculum focuses on pneumatic and hydraulic systems, covering their principles, applications, and maintenance.
  5. Electrical & Electronic Controls: Apprentices develop a basic understanding of electrical and electronic controls, including Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).
  6. Welding & Fabrication: Skills in reading welding drawings, safety rules, material cutting, and assembly to specification are part of this segment.

Contact Information

Admission Requirements

Any Time

Any Time (433A)

Admission Requirements for Domestic Students

  1. To be eligible for an apprenticeship, you must:
    • Be at least 18 years of age (16 years of age in limited cases)
    • Have legal permission to work in Canada (i.e., have a valid social insurance number)
    • Meet the educational requirements of the trade.
      Grade 12 or equivalent is the generally accepted standard, however, grade 10 or equivalent may be accepted by some sponsors.
    • Have a sponsor located in Ontario. This can be a private employer, association or union.
  2. Apply for an apprenticeship through Skilled Trades Ontario(opens in new window). This step is usually completed when you have received an offer of employment from a sponsor.
  3. After completing the apprenticeship application, a Registered Training Agreement will be drafted by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD). The apprentice and their sponsor will both sign this document, officially recognizing the apprentice to begin the training process through their employer.

Admission Requirements for International Students

This program is not currently available for international students.
To enroll in an apprenticeship program, international students must meet specific criteria, including possessing a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) and securing a sponsor.

Prerequisites

People who want to become apprentices must apply directly to employers, unions or joint apprenticeship training committees for the trade they are interested in. Most trades require between two and five years of work and training to become certified. During that time apprentices will be notified of offers to attend in-class training at the closest available training facility.

Apprentices are permitted to attend other training facilities within Ontario if they choose by making arrangements with their local Ministry office in advance

Student Accessibility and Essential Program Requirements

Confederation College is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive learning environment and will provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and College policy.

Students who require accommodations are encouraged to engage with Student Accessibility Services and are responsible for initiating and participating in the accommodation process. Accommodation is a collaborative process involving the student, Student Accessibility Services, faculty, and the Academic School. Requests for accommodation are considered on an individual basis, and the College will work with students to identify reasonable accommodations that provide equitable access to learning while maintaining the integrity of the program.

Students are expected to demonstrate the essential knowledge, skills, professional behaviours, learning outcomes, and competencies required to successfully complete their program. While the manner in which these requirements are demonstrated may be accommodated where appropriate, the essential requirements themselves must still be achieved.

For programs involving laboratories, field work, clinical placements, aviation environments, trades training, equipment operation, simulations, community placements, or other environments where health and safety are critical, accommodations must also be consistent with applicable legislation, professional standards, licensing requirements, accreditation standards, and workplace safety obligations.

In some circumstances, a requested accommodation may not be reasonable or possible where it would:

  • Fundamentally alter an essential program requirement, competency, or learning outcome.
  • Compromise the health or safety of the student or others.
  • Conflict with provincial or federal legislation.
  • Conflict with the requirements of an external regulatory, licensing, accreditation, or professional body.
  • Prevent the student from demonstrating competencies required for safe and effective professional practice.
Note

Where a particular accommodation cannot be provided, the College will work collaboratively with the student to identify whether an alternative accommodation can appropriately address the student’s disability-related needs while maintaining essential program requirements.

Courses

Courses are delivered on a rotating basis according to the number of apprentices in each level.

Please find details about Industrial Mechanic Millwright Program, on the Skilled Trades Ontario website(opens in new window).

  1. Workshop Practices:
    • Basic Machine Tool Operation
    • Advanced Machine Tool Techniques
    • Workshop Safety and Standards
  2. Mechanical Theory:
    • Applied Mechanics
    • Principles of Thermodynamics
    • Strength of Materials
  3. Machine Technology:
    • Material Handling Systems
    • Prime Movers & Ancillary Equipment
    • Fans & Blowers
    • Preventive & Predictive Maintenance
  4. Fluid Power:
    • Fundamentals of Pneumatic Systems
    • Fundamentals of Hydraulic Systems
    • Fluid Power Safety and Maintenance
  5. Electrical & Electronic Controls:
    • Basic Electrical Theory
    • Electronic Control Systems
    • Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
  6. Welding & Fabrication:
    • Welding Techniques and Safety
    • Fabrication Methods and Practices
    • Reading Welding Drawings
  7. Machine Installation & Set-Up:
    • Precision Measuring and Equipment Alignment
    • Installation Procedures and Techniques
    • Foundation Preparation and Vibration Isolation
  8. Rigging and Hoisting:
    • Basic Rigging Techniques
    • Advanced Hoisting Operations
    • Load Dynamics and Safety
  9. Drawings and Schematics:
    • Interpretation of Mechanical Drawings
    • Schematic Analysis for Mechanical Systems
    • CAD for Millwrights
  10. Power Transmissions:
    • Gear Systems and Operations
    • Belt and Chain Drives
    • Couplings and Clutches
  11. Health, Safety, and Environment:
    • Workplace Safety Standards
    • Environmental Compliance in Mechanical Work
    • Emergency Response and First Aid

These courses provide a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, covering all the essential aspects of the Industrial Mechanic Millwright trade. The curriculum is designed to prepare apprentices for a diverse range of challenges in various industrial settings.

Meet the Program Staff

2 staff members

Careers

The Industrial Mechanic Millwright Apprenticeship program opens a wide range of employment opportunities for graduates in various industrial sectors. Millwrights are in high demand due to their versatile skills in machinery installation, maintenance, and repair. Key employment sectors include:

  1. Manufacturing: Millwrights play a crucial role in the manufacturing industry, working in facilities that produce automotive parts, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and more. They ensure that machinery operates efficiently and safely.
  2. Construction: In the construction sector, millwrights are essential for installing and maintaining heavy machinery and mechanical parts of buildings and structures.
  3. Energy Sector: This includes work in renewable energy, oil and gas, and nuclear power plants, where millwrights maintain and repair turbines, pumps, and other mechanical equipment.
  4. Aerospace: Millwrights are involved in the maintenance of machinery used in the production and testing of aerospace components.
  5. Transportation and Logistics: In this sector, millwrights maintain equipment used in transportation systems and logistics operations, including conveyor systems and automated material handling equipment.
  6. Healthcare: In hospitals and pharmaceutical companies, millwrights maintain the mechanical systems essential for operations, such as HVAC systems and specialized medical machinery.
  7. Public and Government Services: Millwrights find opportunities in municipal water treatment plants, government maintenance departments, and public infrastructure projects.
  8. Education and Training: Experienced millwrights often have opportunities to teach in apprenticeship programs or technical schools.
  9. Self-Employment: Some millwrights opt to start their own business, offering contract services in installation, maintenance, and repair.

The demand for millwrights is driven by the need for skilled professionals who can work with advanced and evolving technology. Graduates of the Industrial Mechanic Millwright Apprenticeship program can expect a dynamic and challenging career with opportunities for continuous learning and advancement.

Pathways

Confederation College offers a variety of articulation agreements designed to help you advance your education and career. Whether you're coming to us from another institution or planning your next steps after completing your program, our pathways make your transition seamless and effective.

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