Four Things To Know About Working As A Millwright
If the construction and maintenance of industrial machinery is something you are interested in, you may want to consider becoming a millwright. Here are four things to know about millwright work.
Education to Becoming a Millwright
If you are looking to become a millwright, you will need to have attained a high school education. If it is your goal to become an industrial machinery mechanic, you will most likely also need some training at a technical school or on-the-job training. It is also not uncommon for millwrights to go through an apprenticeship.
Salary and Job Outlook for Millwrights
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2015 millwrights earned an annual salary of $48,410 which equals $23.28 an hour. This wage is largely dependent on location, experience, and the type of industry in which a millwright works. Because of the growing importance of keeping sophisticated machinery running as efficiently as possible, millwright work is expected to grow 16 percent by the year 2024. This is considered much faster than average for all types of occupations.
Job Description and Types of Jobs Available for Millwrights
The job of a millwright normally consists of maintaining and repairing factory equipment and different kinds of industrial machinery. Millwrights also install, dismantle, reassemble, and move machinery in power plants, construction sites, and factories. Some of their job duties might include:
- Read blueprints and schematic drawings
- Construct foundations for machines
- Perform operational procedures
- Operate rigging equipment to move heavy pieces of machinery
Typically all millwrights should be able to follow detailed instructions, lift and carry heavy objects, and have the ability to read and comprehend complex technical manuals. They should also be able to work from high heights without fear.
Five of the most common industries in which millwrights work include paperboard mills, sawmills, commercial and industrial machinery and equipment, foundries, and engineered wood product manufacturing. Another industry providing work for millwrights is agricultural equipment and supplies where millwright maintenance is needed for grain handling equipment needed in the construction of grain elevators.
Common Injuries for Millwrights
Millwrights often work in awkward positions, on top of ladders, or in cramped areas. Some of the types of injuries sustained during millwright work have included:
- Getting burned
- Falling from heights
- Getting hit on the head
- Electric shock
It is important for millwrights to wear the proper protective gear such as hardhats, safety glasses, and steel-toed boots. They often work in very noisy environments so it's important to wear earplugs as well. To learn more, contact a company like M & N Millwright.