Millwrights

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The Work
Millwrights are crafts people who do precision machine installation and assembly using sophisticated measuring instruments. They install and align heavy industrial machinery such as conveyor systems, pumping systems, packaging systems, compressors, electric generators and turbines.

Working Conditions
Millwrights work in hydroelectric dams, paper mills, nuclear power generating stations, gas or coal-fired generation plants, smelters and refineries. They use highly precise optical measuring and leveling instruments. You need good math skills along with the ability to think problems through, practical thinking, manual dexterity, the ability to work to very small tolerances (to a thousandth of an inch). May have to lift heavy objects.

The Apprenticeship
This program, depending upon trade, requires 6,000-10,000 hours (three to five years) of on-the-job training hours. An apprentice must attend 144-160 related classroom hours per year.

Apprenticeship Entry Requirements

• Must provide proof of age of 17 or older.
• Must have sufficient schooling to meet trade requirements, usually high school diploma or GED.
• Must be able to perform the work of the trade.
• Must successfully complete the pre-employment safety and orientation procedure.
• May need to appear before the apprenticeship committee for an interview.
• Must have adequate transportation to job sites.

(Additional desirable qualifications are a math and/or physics background).