Education · 1 of 5

The path

A 4-year apprenticeship. Broad: mechanical, hydraulics, welding, rigging and some electrical.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Grade 12 math, physics and shop. OYAP (Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program) lets Ontario students start in Grade 11 or 12.

2. 2

   Find a sponsor

   Weeks to months

   Manufacturing plants, mines, mills, food plants, hydro utilities or an industrial contractor. A 1-year college mechanical techniques program helps you get hired.

3. 3

   Register the apprenticeship

   Days

   Ontario registers Industrial Mechanic Millwright with Skilled Trades Ontario. Alberta and BC use their own trades authorities.

4. 4

   Work and study

   4 years

   8,000 hours in Ontario: 7,280 on the job plus 720 in school, taken as three college blocks of about 8 weeks. Precision alignment, bearings, gearboxes, conveyors, pumps, hydraulics, welding, rigging and reading drawings.

5. 5

   Certificate of Qualification and Red Seal

   After your hours

   Pass the provincial exam and add the Red Seal endorsement to work in any province.