Michigan Occupational Information System
#018 - MILLWRIGHT

Millwrights install, repair, dismantle, move, and assemble machinery and equipment in an industrial establishment according to layout plans, blueprints, and other drawings.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Millwrights may:

Read blueprints and schematic drawings to determine work procedures

Dismantle machines and move machinery and equipment

Assemble and install equipment such as shafting, conveyors, and train rails

Construct foundations for machines

Align, assemble, and secure machinery to foundations

Repair, oil, and maintain plant machinery and equipment such as conveyors and conveyor systems

The tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

638.281-018 MILLWRIGHTS install, dismantle, move, and assemble machinery and equipment in an industrial establishment according to layout plans, blueprints, and other drawings.

638.261-014 MACHINERY ERECTORS put together and test machinery and heavy equipment, such as hydraulic turbines, turbine wheels, stone crushers and mine hoists. After testing is completed they dismantle the machinery and equipment for shipment to its installation site.

638.261-018 MANUFACTURER'S SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES install and repair machinery or equipment in customers' establishments, following blueprints and manufacturer's instructions.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Millwrights may work alone or in a team with other Millwrights or helpers. They work indoors and outdoors, in high places and in heavily traveled, dirty, greasy, and hot areas. They usually work in industrial factories, although some are employed in the construction industry.

The work is somewhat hazardous. Millwrights risk falling from high places and being struck by broken cables or falling machinery. There is danger of being caught between or under heavy objects and receiving cuts and bruises. The risk of injury can be avoided or reduced by following safety procedures and by using protective devices such as safety belts and hard hats.

Millwrights working for manufacturing companies generally work year round. Those who work for construction and installation contractors may be out of work between installation jobs. Workers in construction may travel long distances to reach some job sites.

Millwrights usually work a 5-day, 40-hour week. They may work any one of three separate shifts. Considerable overtime and weekend work are typical of industrial Millwrights, especially in the auto industry.

Some of the hand tools and precision measuring devices used in this type of work may belong to the Millwright. The cost may range from less than $100 to more than $1,000.

Many Millwrights belong to unions. Those in manufacturing join unions that represent the employees where they work. Three well-known unions representing Millwrights are United Steelworkers of America; International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW); and The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (AFL-CIO). Union members must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities which involve assembling and erecting machinery

• Activities which bring satisfaction from working on or producing

You Should Be Able To:

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Follow instructions and read blueprints

• Work at heights without fear

• Use logical step-by-step procedures in your work

• Plan work and solve problems

• Make decisions based on measurable information

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often

• Operate machinery

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

Find the cutting speed of a 6 in. diameter cutter being operated at 160 rpm?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

When castings are held in a vice, the part that contacts the fixed jaw should be ground as smooth as possible on a disk or belt sander. If this is not possible, place a sheet of soft aluminum or copper between the vise and the casting.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare an order form for a supply of machinery tools used in milling.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Analytical skills and be detail oriented in assessing blueprints and schematic drawings for milling operations.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: A person may qualify for this occupation by: (a) completing an On-The-Job Training program provided by the employer, (b) obtaining a high school diploma or equivalency, (c) completing a Certificate or an Associate Degree at a Community College, or (d) an apprenticeship.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0300 AUTOMOTIVE , 0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH , 2300 METALS , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY , 3400 WOODS

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAM***

098 MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY

Programs in Mechanical Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the design, manufacture, testing, operation, and maintenance of devices, tools, and mechanical equipment. Individuals who teach Mechanical Technology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses will vary from school to school but may include:

  Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

 ***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

027 MILLWRIGHT

Many people enter occupations within this MOIScript through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job. Apprenticeship programs for this occupation usually include-

WHAT IS LEARNED ON THE JOB

Dismantling, Moving, and Erecting Machinery and Equipment

Repairing and Rebuilding Conveyor Drives

Replacing and Repairing Speed Reducers and Reduction Boxes

Installing Electric Motors (Does Not Include Wiring)

Removing and Installing Bearings

Repairing and Rebuilding Pulleys, Belting, Conveyors & Cranes

Repairing and Rebuilding Elevators, Furnaces, & Shot Blast

Floor Layout & Installation of Machinery and Equipment

Steel Fabrication

WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM

***MILITARY TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript

E-Learning Courses and Programs  

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Postsecondary mechanical technology programs may offer co-op or work-experience opportunities. Experience gained through summer employment in machine shops with maintenance mechanics or machine rebuilders offers good background for those who wish to become Millwrights. Experience is also available through an apprenticeship program.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Millwright employer

internships

volunteer work with a Millwright employer

community service work with an agency

Completing an apprenticeship is the best way of becoming a Millwright. Help in finding a job may come from Michigan Works! offices, school placement offices, or newspaper want ads. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

America's Job Bank (http://www.ajb.dni.us)

Classifieds2000 Employment (http://www.classifieds2000.com)

Yahoo! Careers (http://careers.yahoo.com/)

Michigan Department of Career Development  (http://www.michigan.gov/mdcd)

Michigan Works! & Michigan Talent Bank (http://www.michiganworks.org/)

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Nationally, in 2001, median earnings of Millwrights, excluding their cost-of-living allowance, were about $813 per week. The median weekly earnings of  "all" workers in the U.S. were $597 in 2001. In 2002, base hourly wages of Millwrights employed in the automobile industry were:

 Most Millwrights working for manufacturing employers in the Grand Rapids area in 2001, had estimated earnings between $15.63 and $20.77 per hour.  Their average wage was $19.79 hourly.

Millwrights working for the City of Detroit earned $22.68 per hour in early 2002. Apprentice Millwrights earned between $14.75 and $20.43 an hour. Millwright supervisors earned $23.86 an hour.

Apprentice Millwrights in Michigan started at 60% to 79% of a journey Millwright's rate of pay.

Most Millwrights receive life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; pension plans; and paid vacations and holidays. Many large companies offer dental and vision care plans. In some cases, employers and employees may contribute to a union-sponsored trust fund used to pay for some benefits.

A Millwright may advance to supervisor or group leader.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, there were about 72,400 Millwrights employed in 2000. Employment of Millwrights is expected to show little or no change through the year 2010. The industry distribution for Millwrights looked like this:

Employment of millwrights is projected to grow very little through the year 2010, due in part to an expected downturn in new industrial construction. When construction activity falls, jobs are scare, and even experienced millwrights may face layoffs or shortened workweeks. In coming years, new industrial construction is expected to be insufficient to maintain existing employment levels. In addition, some of the duties of millwrights are being transferred to other workers, such as electronic technicians and industrial machinery mechanics, as new automation becomes more complicated and involves more electronic components. Finally, millwrights are becoming more productive through technologies like hydraulic torque wrenches, ultrasonic measuring tools, and laser shaft alignment that allow fewer of these workers to perform a greater amount of work.

Although employment is expected to decline, millwrights will still be needed to maintain and repair existing machinery, to dismantle old machinery, and to install and maintain new equipment. Workers with these skills will encounter a number of job openings that will arise annually as experienced millwrights transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.

There are approximately 7,825 Millwrights employed in Michigan. Most worked in the manufacturing, primarily in auto plants, steel mills, and foundries; others worked in the wholesale trade and construction industries.

Employment of Millwrights is expected to decline in Michigan through the year 2008. An average of 210 annual openings is expected, all due to the replacement of workers who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers transfer to other jobs or occupations.

In 2001, 856 apprentices were in training for this occupation, and 149 completed the program. Opportunities for Millwrights in Michigan will decrease mainly due to anticipated lower production levels in the domestic automobile industry. As aging assembly facilities are closed permanently and their production sent overseas or to other parts of the country, there will be fewer employment opportunities for Millwrights in Michigan.

Also, the purchasing of machined parts from overseas sources has had a negative effect on employment opportunities for Millwrights.  

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2008

  EMPLOYMENT                    NUMBER        PERCENT    PROJECTED YEARLY

  REGION                                 EMPLOYED  GROWTH     JOB OPENINGS

  Ann Arbor Area                      340                  -15.7             9

  Battle Creek Area                    195                 -0.5                5

  Benton Harbor Area                80                    -10.0             2

  Central Michigan                      80                   11.0               3

  Detroit MSA                            4,160              -8.4               113

  East Central Michigan               35                   11.8              1 

  Flint Area                                 730                 -22.2             20

  Grand Rapids Area                  590                 13.5               24

  Jackson Area                           125                 0.8                 3

  Kalamazoo Area                      415                 -9.9               11

  Lansing MSA                           265                 -29.2             7

  Muskegon Area                        125                 -8.9               3

  Northeast Lower Peninsula        110                -2.8               3

  Northwest Lower Peninsula       160                20.3               7

  Saginaw MSA                           185               -3.7                5

  Thumb Area                                70               13.0                3

  Upper Peninsula                        435               -7.1                12

  West Central Michigan                55               23.6                2  

MSA designates a Metropolitan Statistical Area

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed occupational information is available upon written request from sources below:

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Millwright can be summarized by the following:

Copyright © 2003 Michigan Department of Career Development