MILLWRIGHT MECHANIC 27 MILLWRIGHT MECHANIC 28 be apprenticed in the Ontario College of Trades Apprenticeship Act (2009). This requires students to have completed a 7280-hour apprenticeship (approximately four years). Afterwards, they can write an exam for the certificate of qualification as an industrial millwright. It is almost always a requirement for a worker to have a certification such as an Industrial Millwright Mechanic License 443A. 4. Many Millwright Mechanics Know Programming Languages The food industry has changed substantially within the last few years. Many food companies have switched to automated processes in the plants. Automation leads to improved productivity, improved product quality and improved profitability. For plant equipment to be automated, they need to be equipped with control systems like programmable logic controls (PLC) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA). It is becoming more common for millwright mechanics to have at least a working knowledge of these systems. 5. Millwright Mechanics Are in Good Physical Shape When new machinery enters a food manufacturing plant, it needs to be opened and inspected for any damage. Inspecting these pieces can become a difficult task if they are large. Sometimes millwrights are required to lift heavy objects or climb to reach equipment located high above the floor. If the equipment is too large, they may require the assistance of a hydraulic lift. Millwrights are constantly bending, lifting and getting into tight spots so they can fit bearings, align gears and perform other maintenance tasks. This job would be near impossible without being in good shape. 6. Millwright Mechanics Are Problem Solvers Everyday is unique for a millwright mechanic because new and different problems arise everyday. For example, if a conveyor belt stops working, they need to determine whether a defective part needs to be refurbished, repaired or replaced. It is up to the mechanic to use their problem-solving skills and years of experience to determine the best course of action. 7. Millwright Mechanics Support on Going Research Projects As it was mentioned before, millwright mechanics are responsible for assembling new equipment when it enters a plant. Millwright mechanics have experience working in their “home” manufacturing plant, making them the ideal candidates to help engineers during new projects. They not only install new equipment but also read blueprints, diagrams and schematics to determine work procedures. 8. Millwright Mechanics Are Continuously Learning and Improving As with any occupation, there are certain sets of skills which will aid you better than others. For a millwright mechanic these skills include: • Strong literacy skills - A millwright mechanic constantly reads manuals for operating, troubleshooting and repairing tools and equipment. Furthermore, they need to be comfortable with reading blueprints, diagrams and schematic drawings to determine work procedures. • Strong mathematical skills – Millwright mechanics compare measurements such as width, height and rotations per minute on a variety of parts to ensure they are within an acceptable range. They use these measurements to calculate loads, capacities and dimensions for mechanical components and systems. If any of these measurements are incorrect, this could mean a lot of trouble down the line! • Oral communication - When a millwright makes changes to a piece of equipment it is important that they communicate this information to production line workers. When communicating they must do so in a way that workers understand especially if the changes are safety related. Lonny Elliot | Maintenance Supervisor https://youtu.be/kpc-b4JnCi8 Hear from Lonny about his journey from the Industrial Mechanic Apprenticeship program at Conestoga College to Gay Lea Foods! Careers in the Chocolate Industry Taylor Carr, Millwright Apprentice at Karma Candy Inc. Elizabeth Hagerman, Food Scientist at The Warrell Corporation
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