Job Roles and Responsibilities in Canada. Industrial Mechanics/ Millwrights

Transcription

1 Job Roles and Responsibilities in Canada Industrial Mechanics/ Millwrights

2 Acknowledgments Winnipeg Technical College and the Department of Labour and Immigration of Manitoba wish to express sincere appreciation to all contributors. Special acknowledgments are extended to the following individuals: Manola Barlow, Independent Contractor Sarah McDowell, Independent Contractor Recognition of Prior Learning Coordinator, Winnipeg Technical College Martin Malloy, Industrial Mechanics/Millwright Instructor, Winnipeg Technical College Dan Zvanovec, Industrial Mechanics/Millwright Instructor, Winnipeg Technical College Dain Lanouette, Industrial Mechanics/Millwright Instructor, Winnipeg Technical College Funding for this project has been provided by The Citizenship and Multicultural Division, Manitoba Department of Labour and Immigration Disclaimer Statements and opinions in this document do not reflect those of Winnipeg Technical College or the project funder, Citizenship and Multicultural Division, Manitoba Department of Labour and Immigration. The information is gathered from a variety of sources and is current and accurate as of the revision date noted. This information is subject to change and will not be further updated. It is the responsibility of the reader to seek current statistics and information. Please contact the Winnipeg Technical College at or if you have questions about the contents of this document 2

3 Table of Contents Introduction Description Work Environment Where They Find Work Language Requirements Skills Main Duties The Importance of Safety in Canada Terms & Conditions Earnings Education/Training Employment Requirements Career Paths Employment Opportunities Professional Associations References

4 Introduction Industrial mechanics and millwrights work in many different locations in Manitoba. It is important to know what educational and skill requirements are needed to be an industrial mechanic or a millwright. The information provided in this booklet will increase your awareness of the roles and responsibilities of industrial mechanics and millwrights. A detailed description of job duties, employment requirements, skills, education and training are all included in this package. Description Industrial mechanics and millwrights install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair stationary industrial machinery and mechanical equipment. Industrial mechanics are employed in manufacturing plants, utilities and other industrial establishments. Industrial mechanics and millwrights are classified under the National Occupation Classification (NOC) #7311. Example Titles Industrial mechanic Industrial mechanic apprentice Maintenance millwright Millwright Millwright apprentice Plant equipment mechanic Treatment plant mechanic Classified Elsewhere Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics (7312) Industrial Instrument Technicians and Mechanics (2243) Supervisors of Industrial Mechanics and Millwrights (in 7216 Contractors and Supervisors, Mechanic Trades) Textile Machinery Mechanics and Repairers (7317) 4

5 Work Environment Industrial mechanics/millwrights work in manufacturing plants, utilities and other industrial organizations maintaining and repairing equipment after installation. Where They Find Work 1 Manufacturing 52% Mining and oil and gas extraction 9% Wholesale trade 9% Other services (except public administration) 6% Transportation and warehousing 5% Construction 3% Utilities 7% Language Requirements Industrial mechanics and millwrights should be able to communicate clearly in English to do their job well. It is very important to employers that you have good oral communication skills so you can communicate with them and with your co-workers. Industrial mechanics and millwrights must also be able to read and follow blueprints. It is important to note that language entrance requirements and test requirements vary in different colleges. Contact the colleges to see what is required. Recommended Canadian Language Benchmark Levels for industrial mechanics and millwrights 2 Speaking Listening Reading Writing Retrieved Dec. 8, 2006, from 2 Note: this occupation/training has not been formally benchmarked. 5

6 Recommended TOEFL scores 3 Paper Based Computer Based Internet Based For those individuals where English is an Additional Language (EAL), it is recommended that you take a Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test to determine your level of English, and to see which English classes are available to you. Contact the Winnipeg English Language Assessment and Referral Centre for an appointment: Skills Winnipeg English Language Assessment and Referral Centre Portage Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2B3 Phone: Industrial mechanics and millwrights need to have the following skills and abilities: Interest in building and repairing a variety of mechanical systems Knowledge of computerized machinery Physical strength and stamina Ability to read blueprints and technical specifications Ability to visualize a layout by looking at plans Good verbal communication skills Ability to work to exacting standards Good eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity Ability to get along well with co-workers 3 These are the current TOEFL entrance requirements at some colleges. 6

7 Ability to work at heights or in cramped spaces Safety awareness and a responsible work attitude Mathematical and mechanical ability An analytical approach to problem-solving Interest in keeping up-to-date in the field Do you have many of these skills? Main Duties Industrial mechanics and millwrights perform some or all of the following duties: Read blueprints, diagrams and schematic drawings to determine work procedures Install, align, take apart 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 find 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 7

8 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 by using hand and power tools and welding equipment Do you think you would enjoy doing the work described above? The Importance of Safety in Canada Safety in the workplace is very important in Canada. If your employer sees you are not listening to the safety rules, you may be fired immediately. The company is responsible for: Training employees how to work safely Telling employees about things that are dangerous in the workplace Giving employees safety equipment and make sure they wear it The employee is responsible for: Following the company s safety rules (sometimes called policies ) Wearing safety equipment Telling the supervisor if they see something that is dangerous Not doing anything that they think is unsafe It is your responsibility to ask questions when you don t understand. For more information: 8

9 Terms & Conditions Construction millwrights set up industrial plant equipment while industrial mechanics maintain and repair the equipment once it has been installed. The work is indoors, sometimes in cramped conditions or at heights. Most work 40 hours per week, although industrial mechanics are often required to work in the evenings and on weekends when emergency repairs are required. Construction millwrights who belong to a union are usually assigned work by the Union Hiring Hall. Most construction industrial mechanics and millwrights work on a full-time basis. Almost all members of this occupational group are employees (99%). Although employment in this occupation is primarily seasonal, the annual earnings reported below represent the prevailing wages, salaries, and/or net income for full-time employment for a full year. Earnings In Manitoba 4 $20, per annum - starting $46, per annum - average $58, per annum - high Average in Canada Hourly wage: $ Note these numbers are in reference to These may vary from year to year. 5 Retrieved Dec. 5, 2006, from 9

10 Education / Training Apprenticeship A formal apprenticeship program (Industrial Mechanic/Millwright) is available. To become a certified Industrial Mechanic/Millwright in Manitoba, you must complete an apprenticeship that combines on-the-job (practical) experience and in-school (technical) training. You must be at least 16 years of age and have a Grade 12 or equivalent high school academic standing with credits in FIND AN EMPLOYER mathematics and science. You must find a Network, network, network! 6 qualified employer who will give you Here are some tips on how to find an employer who is participating in an apprenticeship program. practical training and hire you full-time. Approach this like any Go to businesses where industrial mechanics and other job search. millwrights are employed Remember that 80% of Ask your career counsellor for advice. Check with all job openings are joint labour/management training boards and trade never advertised. The associations to see if they know of any employers employer must employ a who are looking for an apprentice. certified journeyperson or a Tell people you know that you are looking for a job. Carry a resume with you everywhere. Ask to speak with a manager/supervisor and leave your resume with them even if they are not hiring. designated trainer who will mentor you throughout your on-the-job training. Get the names and phone numbers of the employers and managers/supervisors whom you ve contacted. Contact them again after a couple of weeks. That tells them that you really want the job

11 Once you have found an employer to hire you, you ll need to register as an apprentice. Either you or your employer must complete an Apprenticeship Application/Agreement, which will require information and signature from both of you. If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, a work permit and/or study permit will also be required. To confirm specific details of your apprenticeship training, arrange to meet with the trade specific Apprenticeship Training Coordinator who will outline: The length of the training program The skills that must be learned The pay (wages) The apprenticeship for an industrial mechanic or millwright is four years. Training and in-school instruction is a minimum 1,600 hours per year. About 80% of your time is spent learning practical on-the-job skills while supervised by a qualified journeyperson. The remaining 20% consists of learning the theoretical and technical aspects of your trade. When you successfully complete all the practical and technical requirements of apprenticeship training and score 70% or better on your final examination, you will receive a Certificate of Qualification, confirming your status as a journeyperson. You also qualify for interprovincial or "Red Seal" standing that, subject to local regulations, allows you to work across Canada where the "Red Seal" certificate is recognized. If you now work in this field and want to become a fully qualified journeyperson, you can receive credit for previous job experience and training, and qualify for certification by passing a theory and practical Trades Qualification Exam. If you do not meet exam requirements, upgrading courses are available. The following post-secondary institutions offer related training: 11

12 Winnipeg Technical College offers an Industrial Mechanic/Millwright program. (Level 1) Some high schools in Manitoba offer a program in Mechanics. Employment Requirements Completion of secondary school is usually required. Completion of a four-year apprenticeship program in industrial mechanics (millwright) or a combination of several years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in industrial machinery repair or millwright is usually required. Career Paths Workers usually enter these occupations from helper or labourer positions, or from other jobs that require mechanical ability. Millwrights may specialize in the installation of machinery and equipment (construction millwright), or in operational maintenance and repair (industrial mechanic or millwright). Millwrights usually have skills related to several occupations, such as pipefitting, welding, machining or electrical maintenance, and may move to other jobs with experience. Because of their knowledge of many trade areas, millwrights are good candidates for supervisory or management positions. Red Seal certification is recognized in all provinces of Canada. 12

13 Employment Opportunities Employment prospects for construction industrial mechanics and millwrights in the 2006 to 2010 period are expected to be good. Employment in Manitoba in 2007 was estimated at 1,330. The work of construction industrial mechanics and millwrights is critical to the operations of the manufacturing and mining sectors in Manitoba. Periodic re-investment in plant and equipment is essential for competitiveness, maintaining a strong demand for the skills of this occupational group. As the current workforce ages, there will be an increased need to find trained and qualified replacements. Most of the jobs for construction industrial mechanics and millwrights are located in rural Manitoba. The largest group of construction industrial mechanics and millwrights work in the Manufacturing sector at 52%, followed by Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction at 9% and Wholesale Trade at 9%. The remainder work in Other Services (except Public Administration), Utilities, Transportation and Warehousing and Construction sectors. Professional Associations Manitoba Federation of Labour, Broadway Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 4M6, (204) Construction Association of Rural Manitoba, th Street, Unit B, Brandon, MB, R7A 6B5 Construction Labour Relations Association of Manitoba, 290 Burnell Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3G 2A7, (204) Manitoba Building & Construction Trades Council, Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 0A1, (204) Construction Safety Association of Manitoba, 290 Burnell Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3G 2A7, (204)

14 Construction and Specialized Workers Union 1258, 41 May Street, Winnipeg, MB, (204) References Updated: April