Millwright

Millwrights are skilled tradesmen responsible for machinery, often pertaining to assembly lines. They are commonly required to maintain, and in some circumstances assemble the machinery in question. The machinery maintenance aspect of millwright work includes performing tasks essential to the equipments overall performance, including its preventative maintenance. Some of the preventative maintenance tasks performed by millwrights include changing seals, lubricating shafts, and changing various belts on the machinery.

Often employed in factory and other industrial settings, millwrights are capable of employing skills from various other trades. This work typically includes welding, carpentry, and tool making. However, millwrights must also be knowledgeable in the areas of electrical work and pipefitting. Work that is generally not classified within the direct job description of another skilled trade often falls to the millwright. It is for this reason millwrights must be able to multi task, problem solve, and troubleshoot. They must also be somewhat physically fit and capable of fitting into confined spaces when need be.

Millwrights often rely upon equipment such as hoists and cranes due to the size of the machinery they maintain. Due to the nature of the equipment they are responsible for, millwrights are at times required to be suspended from heights. As this may be the only way some equipment can be accessed for repair, millwrights should not be afraid of heights.

Another aspect of millwright work involves project planning. Millwrights must be capable of reading and interpreting blueprints. This is an essential function of a millwright as they are also responsible for the construction and assembly of equipment and machinery. Understanding schematics helps the millwright with this aspect of their work.

In addition to a high school diploma or GED, those individuals whose Aptitude Tests match the skill set needed to become millwrights must undergo formal training. This formal training generally includes trades school as well as an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships often require the individual to work under a licensed millwright for a specific amount of hours as designated by the program. When working in a unionized environment, a millwright may be subject to additional training required by the union.