1. Energy careers
  2. Trades
  3. Millwright and Industrial Mechanic

Millwright and Industrial Mechanic

NOC #72400

  • Environment Primarily outdoor work
  • Education High school diploma
  • Average salary $52,000 to $90,000

Career profile

Millwrights are sometimes referred to as industrial mechanics. They install, maintain, troubleshoot, overhaul and repair stationary industrial machinery and mechanical equipment. They may work on mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, fuel, lubrication, cooling and exhaust systems with components that include pumps, fans, tanks, conveyors, presses and generators.

They work on new or maintenance projects at manufacturing, processing and production facilities or on construction sites and have a mindset for troubleshooting and repair to keep facilities and equipment running.

Exploration and production, Oil and gas services, Pipelines, Offshore, Oil sands, Carbon capture, utilization and storage, Contracted and turnaround maintenance, Modular fabrication, Construction, Start-up and commissioning, Geothermal, Wind

In this occupation activities may include:

  • Examining parts for defects, such as breakage or excessive wear
  • Assembling and installing equipment using hand tools and power tools
  • Reassembling equipment after the completion of inspections, testing and repairs
  • Cutting and welding metal to repair broken metal parts, fabricate new parts and assemble new equipment
  • Repairing or maintaining the operating condition of industrial production and processing machinery or equipment

Education

  • A high school diploma (or equivalent) is typically required.

Certification

  • Standard and emergency first aid
  • Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
  • H2S Alive®
  • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
  • Fall protection
  • Confined space entry
  • Pipeline Construction Safety Training (PCST)

Licensing

  • Completion of a three- to four-year apprenticeship program is required to become a certified tradesperson. Another route into apprenticeship training is a pre-apprenticeship foundation program. In most provinces, both of these routes can begin in high school.
  • The Red Seal endorsement is the interprovincial standard of excellence, and is available to tradespersons upon successful completion of the Red Seal examination.

  • Minimal or no travel
  • Shiftwork/variable work hours
  • Primarily outdoor work
  • Work not physically demanding
  • Safety-sensitive environment
  • Work away from home/in camps

You’re a whiz at mechanics and thrive on the challenge of troubleshooting. You’re able to follow procedures closely when adjusting machinery or installing new equipment. You bring good eye-hand coordination, strength, agility and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

  • Mechanics
  • Working with others
  • Mathematics
  • Critical thinking
  • Adapting to change
  • Instructing others
  • Troubleshooting
  • Taking initiative
  • Maintaining equipment
  • Time management