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Overview

Do you have an interest in understanding how industrial machinery works?  Become an Industrial Mechanic with this foundation program. The Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)/Machinist Foundation program prepares you for two different trades:

• Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)
• Machinist

As a millwright or a machinist, you will maintain, install, and repair stationary industrial equipment in factories, mills, mines, production plants, and recreational facilities. You will be skilled in utilizing lathes, milling machines, grinders, and other equipment to machine parts to accurate dimensions. As a millwright or mechanist, you will work in close association with instrument mechanics, pipefitters, welders, electricians, and heavy equipment mechanics.

Careers

Millwrights and machinists play an essential role in many industries. They are responsible for keeping stationary industrial machinery and mechanical equipment in good repair. Industries in which industrial mechanics and machinists are critical include:

• Manufacturing & Packaging (everything from vehicles to plastics to food)
• Natural Resources (oil & gas, mines, pulp, plywood, sawmills, etc.)
• Recreation (ski hills, amusement parks)
• Transportation (airports, terminals)

Millwrights and machinists might work indoors in a shop or plant, outdoors where equipment is being used, or a combination of both.

What you will learn

In this hands-on program you will spend approximately 50% of your time in the classroom and 50% in the shop. You will have many opportunities to learn practical skills. Topics covered include:

• Safe work practices
• Lubrication systems and components
• Anchoring, leveling and grouting
• Coupling and shaft alignment
• Mechanical drawings and specifications
• Layout and fabrication
• Welding
• Rigging, hoisting and lifting
• Hydraulic systems
• Pump maintenance and operation

Become an Apprentice

This foundation program will provide entry level practical skills and academic knowledge to prepare you to begin the apprenticeship pathway as either a millwright or machinist. You do not need an employer sponsor to participate. In fact, one of the main reasons to complete a foundation program is to gain experience and familiarity with the trade, giving you a competitive advantage to finding an employer to hire you as their apprentice.

Upon successful completion of the foundation program, you will receive credit with the BC Industry Training Authority (ITA) for Level 1 technical training in both Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) and Machinist. Once you are officially registered as an apprentice with ITA, you will then be able to complete the work based training hours (on the job training) and higher levels of apprenticeship training for your chosen trade.

Apprenticeship programs provide a unique approach to post-secondary education, combining classroom based learning (known as technical training) with on the job training. This enables you to “earn while you learn,” significantly reducing the need for student debt and building your career NOW, instead of waiting until you’ve completed your education.

Governing bodies