Overview
Learn how to install, maintain, repair and troubleshoot stationary industrial machinery and mechanical equipment in sites such as factories, production plants and recreational facilities.
If you enjoy performing a wide variety of tasks and precision work on large machinery and equipment, then you'll like working as an industrial mechanic.
The average day for an industrial mechanic is to read diagrams, schematic drawings and service manuals to determine work procedures on various different types of equipment. You'll operate rigging equipment and dollies to place heavy machinery parts as you assemble or disassemble equipment.
You'll fit bearings, align gears and shafts, attach motors and connect couplings and belts to precise tolerances to ensure the equipment will function properly.
Throughout the process, you'll align and test equipment, perform predictive and operational procedures and repair or replace defective parts. Hydraulic and pneumatic systems may need your repair or service.
During your apprenticeship training, you'll learn about welding, electrical work, hydraulics, and manual machining – dynamic skills that will allow you to tackle a variety of jobs on site.
This is a non-compulsory trade – individuals can work in the trade without certification if the employer deems the individual to have the skills of a journeyperson. However, individuals who are working in the trade and learning the trade must become a registered apprentice.
Is this the right fit for me?
Students who have the following characteristics see greater success in the industrial mechanic (millwright) trade:
- the ability to visualize a layout by looking at plans and prints
- the ability to comprehend and troubleshoot mechanical systems
- mechanical aptitude
- good coordination and manual dexterity
- the ability to get along with and supervise others
- a commitment to safe work habits
Credentials
Upon successfully completing the required working hours and apprenticeship education periods, graduates will be awarded journeyperson status by Alberta’s Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Industrial mechanic (millwright) is a Red Seal Endorsed trade – a recognizable standard that allows tradespeople to work across Canada.
Career opportunities
Start your career by finding an employer who is willing to indenture you as an apprentice or gain experience with our Pre-Employment Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) program.
As an industrial mechanic, you will be primarily involved in construction or plant maintenance work, often in close association with other trades such as machinists, instrument technicians, welders, electricians and steamfitter-pipefitters. You will be exposed to a variety of weather conditions as you may work indoors or outdoors.
After becoming a journeyperson, you may decide to advance with further certifications in other trades, you may move into management positions. Some journeypersons go on to run their own businesses – we can help you build your business with our Blue Seal business certificate.
Tuition and fees per year*
- Period 1: $1,263
- Period 2: $1,263
- Period 3: $1,263
- Period 4: $1,263
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Requirements
Entrance requirements for all apprenticeship programs are set by Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
When do classes start?
Registration for the 2022/23 academic year opens May 17, 2022.
| Period | Start date | End date |
|---|---|---|
| 2, 3, or 4 | Aug. 29, 2022 | Oct. 21, 2022 |
| 1, 3, or 4 | Oct. 24, 2022 | Dec. 16, 2022 |
| 1, 2, or 4 | Jan. 3, 2023 | Feb. 24, 2023 |
| 2, 3, or 4 | Feb. 27, 2023 | April 21, 2023 |
| 1, 2, or 4 | May 1, 2023 | June 23, 2023 |
Skills Canada National Results
SAIT took home seven medals in the 2019 Skills Canada National Competition.
Admission and completion
To enter an apprenticeship, you must have the educational qualifications required or recommended education for the trade to which you apply.
Entrance requirements are monitored and set by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Minimum requirements
Successful completion of the following courses:
- English 20-2
- Math 20-3
- Science 10
OR
A pass mark in all five Canadian General Educational Development (GED) tests
OR
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Entrance Exam
Recommended path
Apprentices with an Alberta High School Diploma that includes the following courses:
- English 30-2
- Math 30-3
- Physics 30 OR Chemistry 30 OR Science 30
- Related career and technology studies (CTS) courses
How to register
Registration for apprenticeship education is run through Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. Learn how you can register for your next intake.
Apprenticeship and Industry Training Client Services
1.800.248.4823
tradesecrets.alberta.ca
Suite 200 Willow Park Centre
10325 Bonaventure DR. SE
Calgary, AB
After you register
Email is the primary source of communication after you have registered for your intake. Please ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Training
The term of apprenticeship for an industrial mechanic (millwright) is four years (four 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1560 hours of on-the-job training and eight weeks of apprenticeship education each year.
apprenticeship education performance
To be successful in apprenticeship education, an apprentice must pass each section of the course and pass the AIT exam. The passing grade for each section in the course is a 65%. A passing mark on each provincial exam Exam and the Interprovincial Qualification (or Red Seal Exam) is 70%.
Costs 2022/23
Tuition and fees*
| Period | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $960 | $231 | $72 | $1,263 |
| 2 | $960 | $231 | $72 | $1,263 |
| 3 | $960 | $231 | $72 | $1,263 |
| 4 | $960 | $231 | $72 | $1,263 |
SAIT fees
Campus recreation fee: $49
Lab and material fee: $82
Student support fee: $50
Student technology fee: $50
Books and supplies*
- Books or modules along with other items for class average out to $600 per period.
- It is recommended that you do not purchase books or modules ahead of time as they might be outdated by the time you attend classes and they cannot be returned to the bookstore.
- Personal Protective Equipment will be required for the program, which may be an additional cost to apprentices.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.