A millwright works primarily in manual labor positions but also has the ability to work at a variety of jobs that vary based on the industry. Because most millwrights do technical and constructive work, they must learn their trade through educational and apprenticeship experience before becoming employed. Getting a millwright job requires gaining the proper knowledge and experience first.
If a millwright is just getting started, he or she can begin to take educational courses in mechanical drawing, drafting, and mathematics. These educational classes prepares the millwright intellectually. Taking the right courses will give the him or her an educational advantage over other individuals competing for a millwright job.
The first thing a millwright must do to gain employment is get hands-on experience working with precision instruments and machine tools. Many millwrights work on construction sites and industrial plants, so volunteering to gain hands-on experience is a wise decision. In most cases, actual experience is more valuable than schooling.
One of the main ways that many people obtain a millwright job is through entering an apprenticeship program. According to the Canadian Construction Association, millwrights who go through an apprenticeship period have a significantly higher chance of gaining employment and are more valued by their employers. An apprenticeship program can take up to four years to complete, but it demonstrates to employers that a person was willing to make a solid commitment and invest in the skills and training that is beneficial to companies. Many companies are anxious to hire apprentices and are even willing to pay a higher salary for millwrights undergoing apprenticeship programs.
Although millwrights can enter a broad range of professions, some of the most prominent millwright professions include construction electricians, bricklayers, boilermakers, industrial mechanics, and sheet metal workers. Finding a specific apprenticeship program that allows the millwright to study their specific trade helps greatly.
Having proper emergency training can also work as an advantage to a millwright seeking employment. Most millwrights work in very dangerous situations and must understand how to handle hazardous work environments in a professional way. A millwright who is knowledgeable in safety procedures will be hired faster for a millwright job than one who isn't.
Some millwrights are able to gain employment through networking. Each country has its own set of organizations and unions that potential and prospective millwrights can join. Contacting the right organization can provide employment opportunities and even help a millwright build professional relationships with hiring managers.