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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.
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.
Industrial mechanic (millwrights) enjoy re self-motivated and working independently. This line of work is most fulfilling for those who enjoy working on a wide variety of tasks and completing precision work.
To thrive in this career, it is important to have the following traits:
- the ability to visualize a layout by looking at plans and prints
- creative problem solver
- finding creative solutions to problems
- enjoy working on large machinery
- keeps up with trends in technology pertaining to the trade
- the ability to comprehend and troubleshoot mechanical systems
- mechanical aptitude
- good coordination and manual dexterity
- ability to work well with and supervise others
- commitment to safe work habits
Upon successfully completing the required working hours and apprenticeship education periods, graduates will be awarded an advanced diploma in addition to 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.
Careers and opportunities
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 72400, 72020, 22301.
Apprenticeship 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 classroom instruction each year.
Year 1 | Period 1
You will start by learning legislation, communication and apprenticeship development. You will then learn tools and fasteners, measurements, drawings, layouts, machining as well as machine installation and alignment.
Year 2 | Period 2
You will then learn bearings and lubrication, cutting, welding, metallurgy, quality assurance, power transmission and cross dial alignment as well as process pumps, mechanical seals and compression packing.
Year 3 | Period 3
You will then learn compressors, fluid power, fans, heat exchangers, industrial refrigeration and dryers as well as leveling, alignment and pipe strains.
Year 4 | Period 4
You will learn stationary engines, turbines and governors, process piping systems, conditioning monitoring, balancing and advanced alignment, mechanical systems with electrical controls as well as material handling and career development.
Apprenticeship education performance
You must pass each section of the course and the AIT exam to succeed in apprenticeship education.
The passing grade for each section in a course is 70%. A passing mark on each provincial exam and the interprovincial qualification (or Red Seal Exam) is 70%.
View Alberta's Apprenticeship and Industry Training procedures
Training pathways
You can earn your journeyperson designation in the following way.
The traditional training pathway begins with finding a job with an employer willing to indenture you as an apprentice. Once you are an apprentice, you will alternate between on-the-job training and educational periods.
You must apply for an apprenticeship through Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training before attending your first education period at SAIT.
Pre-employment pathway
SAIT’s Pre-employment Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) program prepares you to enter into an apprenticeship with hands-on skills. Upon successfully completing the program, you’ll qualify to challenge the first-year Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) apprenticeship exam.
Pre-employment Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)Admission requirements
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 requirements
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
MyTradeSecrets
Once you have begun working as an apprentice, you can attend SAIT to complete your technical training.
You'll register for technical training at SAIT on MyTradeSecrets or you can register by phone.
How to registerTransfer agreements
At SAIT, we evaluate post-secondary credit you have previously earned and apply it to your SAIT credential. Explore our formal transfer agreements available for this program.
We can evaluate your prior education, even if we don't have a formal agreement in place.
Submit a transfer credit application
There are no formal transfer agreements currently in place for this program.
Transfer options for graduates
Build on the knowledge you’ve learned at SAIT. The opportunity to advance your education at an accredited post-secondary institution may be available.
🔗 Visit Transfer Alberta for a full list of transfer opportunities within the province.
University of the Fraser Valley
- Program name
- Bachelor of Business Administration for Trades Management
- Available credits:
- 45
As a certified tradesperson with at least one year of full-time work experience in the field and the necessary English and introductory business prerequisites, you can apply to the University of the Fraser Valley’s Bachelor of Business Administration for Trades Management.
This five (5) semester program complements your prior learning with the fundamentals of business management theories and practices. This will help you successfully function as a manager or owner of a trade-related business in today's rapidly changing global environment.
Available intakes
Costs
2024/25 tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.
Books or modules, along with other items for classes, are approximately $600 per period.
It's recommended you don't 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 (PPE) will be required for the program, which may be an additional cost to apprentices.
2023/24 tuition and fees
The following costs are effective until June 30, 2024.
Funding options for apprentices
Apprentices get to learn while they earn, but there are still costs to consider. Many resources are available at SAIT and federally to help support apprentices.
Financial aidInformation sessions
Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.
Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:
- What sets SAIT apart
- An introduction to the program and area of study
- Admission requirements
- Future career paths
- Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.
Contact
Have more questions?
Technical training at SAIT
School of Manufacturing and Automation
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Phone - 403.284.8641
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Email - ma.info@sait.ca
Apprenticeship training and registration
Apprenticeship and Industry Training Client Services
Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.