Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics
(NOC 7311)
in All Trades and TransportationConstruction millwrights and industrial mechanics install, maintain, troubleshoot, overhaul and repair stationary industrial machinery and mechanical equipment. This group includes industrial textile machinery mechanics and repairers. Construction millwrights are employed by millwrighting contractors. Industrial mechanics are employed in manufacturing plants, utilities and other industrial establishments.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline over the next few years. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common.
The median employment income for 60% of Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $70,572. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$16.00
Minimum$26.00
Median$38.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$20,098
Minimum$61,903
Median$105,029
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$20.35
Median$34.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics install, maintain, troubleshoot, overhaul and repair stationary industrial machinery and mechanical equipment. This group includes industrial textile machinery mechanics and repairers. Construction millwrights are employed by millwrighting contractors. Industrial mechanics are employed in manufacturing plants, utilities and other industrial establishments.
Job duties
Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics perform some or all of the following duties:
- Read blueprints, diagrams and schematic drawings to determine work procedures.
- Install, align, dismantle and move stationary industrial machinery and mechanical equipment, such as pumps, fans, tanks, conveyors, furnaces and generators according to layout plans using hand and power tools.
- Operate hoisting and lifting devices such as cranes, jacks and tractors to position machinery and parts during the installation, set-up and repair of machinery.
- Inspect and examine machinery and equipment to detect and investigate irregularities and malfunctions.
- Install, troubleshoot and maintain power transmission, vacuum, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and programmable logic controls.
- Adjust machinery and repair or replace defective parts.
- Operate machine tools such as lathes and grinders to fabricate parts required during overhaul, maintenance or set-up of machinery.
- Clean, lubricate and perform other routine maintenance work on machinery.
- Construct foundations for machinery or direct other workers to construct foundations.
- Assemble machinery and equipment prior to installation using hand and power tools and welding equipment.
Sample job titles
- construction millwright
- industrial mechanic (millwright)
- industrial mechanic apprentice
- industrial plant maintenance mechanic
- maintenance millwright
- millwright
- mine mechanic
- textile machinery mechanic
- utility plant maintenance mechanic
- water treatment plant mechanic
Skills
To work in this occupation, you should have an interest in electronics and mechanical operations. A strong background in mathematics and the sciences is important. You must be able to cooperate with others and perform routine tasks. Agility, physical strength, and hand-eye coordination are needed. You must also have good vision and hearing, and an inclination to work with tools.
Job requirements
- Completion of high school is usually required.
- Completion of a three- to four-year apprenticeship program or a combination of over five years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in industrial machinery repair or millwrighting is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
- Textile machinery mechanics hired from other industries may require additional training in textile processes and experience as a textile manufacturing machinery operator.
- Industrial mechanic (millwright) trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Nova Scotia.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) is also available to qualified industrial mechanics or millwrights upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Other considerations
Employment in these jobs is not seasonal but can be sensitive to overall economic conditions. Construction millwrights are mostly engaged in the initial installation of industrial plant machinery and equipment; industrial mechanics are more concerned with the post-installation maintenance and repair of machinery and equipment. Industrial mechanics and millwrights may be cross-trained in a second trade such as pipefitting, welding, machining or electrical maintenance. The wage rate for apprentices is usually a percentage of the journeyperson rate, increasing upon completion of each stage of the apprenticeship program. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Rubber, Plastics & Chemical Manufacturing
Public Administration
Construction
Food and Beverage Product Manufacturing
Wholesale Trade
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
25-34
45-54
55-64
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
Top levels of education
Trades certificate
$66,082 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$61,797 median annual incomeHigh school
$51,821 median annual incomeLess than high school
$39,997 median annual incomeUniversity certificate or diploma
$76,335 median annual incomeCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trades certificate
$40,890 median annual incomeHigh school
$28,089 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$39,023 median annual incomeLess than high school
$25,753 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$36,972 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Diesel mechanics technology/technician
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain diesel engines in vehicles such as automobiles, buses, ships, trucks, railroad locomotives, and construction equipment; as well as stationary diesel engines in electrical generators and related equipment.
Institutions providing this program
75 High Street
Bridgewater, NS B4V 1V8
(902) 543-4608
Electromechanical and instrumentation and maintenance technologies/technicians - Other
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program not listed above that relates to Electromechanical and Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians.
Institutions providing this program
PO Box 820, 39 Acadia Avenue
Stellarton, NS B0K 1S0
(902) 752-2002
Industrial mechanics and maintenance technology
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair and maintain industrial machinery and equipment such as cranes, pumps, engines and motors, pneumatic tools, conveyor systems, production machinery, marine deck machinery, and steam propulsion, refinery, and pipeline-distribution systems.
Institutions providing this program
5685 Leeds Street
Halifax, NS B3K 2T3
(902) 491-6722
PO Box 1042, 1240 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6J7
(902) 563-2450
Department of Labour and Advanced Education 2021 Brunswick Street, PO Box 578
Halifax, NS B3J 2S9
(800) 494-5651
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Certificate of Qualification (Voluntary): This job is a designated trade in Nova Scotia. Employers may require certification, however; a certificate is not needed to legally work in this job.
Trade Inactive: This trade is currently inactive in Nova Scotia.