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.

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Careers and opportunities

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 21321, 22301, 22302, 22312, 70012, 72020, 72400, 92100.

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. 

A man wearing a white hard hat and blue and black plaid crosses his arms and smiles for the camera.

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
A woman wearing coveralls and a welding helmet poses for a photograph in a SAIT welding lab.

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 register

Transfer Agreements

SAIT has been working with industry partners to develop transfer agreements that allow students to apply their SAIT education to a related credential. The following transfer agreements are available to students in this program:

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.

The estimated total cost of 2024/25 tuition and fees in each period of technical training.
Period Number of weeks Tuition fees Additional fees Total
1 8 $1,152 $329 $1,481
2 8 $1,152 $329 $1,481
3 8 $1,152 $329 $1,481
4 8 $1,152 $329 $1,481
Total cost:
$5,924

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.

The estimated total cost of 2023/24 tuition and fees in each period of technical training.
Period Number of weeks Tuition fees Additional fees Total
1 8 $1,056 $319 $1,375
2 8 $1,056 $319 $1,375
3 8 $1,056 $319 $1,375
4 8 $1,056 $319 $1,375
Total cost:
$5,500
A man crosses his arms over planks of wood and smiles at the camera.

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 aid

Information 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

Phone
403.284.8641
Email
ma.info@sait.ca

Apprenticeship training and registration

Apprenticeship and Industry Training Client Services

Phone
1.800.248.4823
tradesecrets.alberta.ca