What does a Millwright do?

A millwright is a skilled trade involving the installation and maintenance of industrial machinery. Millwrights install, level, and align equipment using hand tools, plumb bobs, levels, wedges, shims, and jacks. They also install power transmission devices such as belts, sheaves, gears, chains, and sprockets.

Millwright job duties include:

• Erect, install, and repair machinery, using hand and power tools.
• Align machines and equipment, using hoists, jacks, hand tools, plumb bobs, levels, and survey instruments.
• Assemble and install equipment according to specifications using hand and power tools.
• Install power transmission devices such as belts, gears, shafts, pulleys, couplings, and brakes.
• Connect motors and control systems to the machinery.
• Test the performance of newly installed machinery and equipment.
• Troubleshoot and repair malfunctioning machinery and equipment.
• Read blueprints or other instructions to determine work procedures.
• Perform routine maintenance on machinery and equipment.

Millwright Job Requirements

Millwrights are skilled craftsman who install, maintain, and repair industrial machinery. They must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and many millwrights also have completed an apprenticeship or have received formal training at a technical school. Most states require millwrights to be licensed journeyman millwrights. Millwrights typically have 5-10 years of experience before becoming a journeyman.

Millwright Skills

• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and specifications
• Dismantle machinery and equipment using hand and power tools
• Inspect and examine parts for defects and wear
• Align and level machinery using hoists, jacks, hand tools, plumb bobs, levels, wedges, shims, and turnbuckles
• Install or replace bearings, seals, gears, couplings, belts, sheaves/pulleys, chains/sprockets on shafts/pipes/valves
• Assemble and install equipment using hand tools and power tools
• Bolt, clamp, weld or rivet parts in place
• Start up and shut down equipment for maintenance or repair purposes
• Adjust functional parts of mechanical devices as needed
• Operate cutting torch or welding equipment to cut or join metal parts
• Repair or replace defective parts

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How to become a Millwright

A millwright is a skilled trade that involves the installation, maintenance and repair of industrial machinery. Millwrights typically work in factories, power plants and other industrial settings. To become a millwright, one must complete an apprenticeship program or have several years of experience working as a journeyman millwright.

The first step to becoming a millwright is to complete an apprenticeship program. Apprenticeship programs typically last four years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. During the apprenticeship, millwrights learn how to safely install, maintain and repair industrial machinery. They also learn about blueprint reading, welding and other essential skills.

After completing an apprenticeship program, millwrights can either find employment as a journeyman millwright or take the journeyman examination. The journeyman examination tests an individual's knowledge of the trade and their ability to safely install, maintain and repair industrial machinery. Those who pass the examination are granted a journeyman's license, which allows them to work independently as a millwright.

Those who wish to become a millwright but do not have the time or opportunity to complete an apprenticeship program can find employment as a helper or assistant. Helpers and assistants work under the supervision of a journeyman millwright and perform tasks such as lifting heavy equipment and cleaning up after repairs are made. Although helpers and assistants do not need to be licensed, they must have basic knowledge of the trade before they can be hired.

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