November 8, 2023 0 comment

Nole Coutrouzas, VP & Business Representative for UBC Millwright Local 1916, What does a millwright do? | FoodGrads Podcast #80

Nole Coutrouzas is the Vice President and Business Representative of UBC Millwright Local 1916, part of the Millwright Regional Council of Canada—a network representing thousands of skilled tradespeople across the country. UBC millwrights are cross-trained professionals who install, maintain, and repair the precision equipment that keeps industries like energy, aerospace, automotive, and food processing running safely and efficiently.

In this episode of the FoodGrads Podcast, Nole joins host Veronica to explore the world of millwrighting, with a special focus on the food and beverage manufacturing sector. He explains what the job entails, how to become a millwright through apprenticeship and training programs, and what kind of mindset and skills help people thrive in this essential trade. Nole also shares his own career journey, discusses how the role is evolving with automation, and outlines the significant opportunities for growth in the skilled trades.

If you’re curious about careers in manufacturing, the future of automation, or how trades like millwrighting keep our food system moving, this episode is for you.

Episode Timestamps

[02:03] Noel introduction
[5:40] Noel’s Career Journey and the Path to Becoming a Millwright
[9:49] Understanding the Term ‘Millwright’
[12:59] The Impact of Automation on Food Processing
[15:58] Education and Training Requirements to Become a Millwright
[20:31] The Role of the Millwright Union and the Importance of the ‘Hall’
[21:06] What is a journey person
[24:13] The Importance of Attitude, Punctuality, Safety, and Effort in the Millwright Field
[29:38] The Role of Millwrights in the Food Industry
[37:42] The Impact of Emerging Technologies on Millwright Work
[43:09] The Use of Augmented Reality in Diagnosing Machine Issues
[45:54] Career Growth Opportunities in the Millwright Field
[46:11] Advice for someone wanting to become a journey person
[49:52] Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Recommended next episode

# 37 – Robert Cunliffe, Maintenance Manager/Millwright at Flamaglo Foods Limited

CareersNOW! is Food and Beverage Ontario’s multi-year workforce development initiative that is connecting students and job seekers with employers in Ontario’s food and beverage processing industry for exciting career opportunities. Check out CareersNOW.ca for more information on exciting jobs, career information, industry mentors and training opportunities for professional development.

Resources

UBC Millwright Local 1916

The Millwright Regional Council (MRC)

Red Seal trade code called 433A.