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How to become a Millwright?

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Top Answer
Talent.com talent.com
Answered April 08 2021
Career Expert at Talent.com
To become a Millwright, you need a high school diploma and enroll in a community college or apprenticeship program. Some high schools even have trade programs that allow you to try out different trades, with Millwright being one of them.  

 Millwrighting is a physical job, and often there is some heavy lifting, standing, or otherwise physically demanding aspect to work. You do not need to be a world-class athlete, but some physical stamina is important to being successful in this field.  

 Apprenticeship programs are typically four-year programs that combine some coursework with a lot of on-the-job training. Since the workplaces sponsor apprenticeships, you are paid while you learn. You also avoid the massive student debt that can come with a four-year university degree. To qualify for apprenticeship programs, you usually need decent math and reading skills. Some programs require work experience, which you can get through community college programs or high school trade programs. 

Important Things to Know Before Becoming a Millwright
Being in the trades is an excellent option if you are mechanically minded, you enjoy daily challenges and puzzles, and you like working with your hands. However, it is important to know a few things before diving into this career.

·       If you are not in a union, you can get laid off if the business is slow. Many Millwrights work in the oil and gas/energy sector. If the business is slow or a project falls through; you may get laid off. Millwright is an in-demand career, but you have to brace yourself for the possibility that you might bounce around to different employers.

·       To be successful, you need to be humble and teachable. Because so much Millwrighting training happens on the job, you need to pay attention to what your colleagues are doing, how they are doing it, and ask intelligent questions to learn and apply those skills later. 

·       If you want to get a union position, network. Like many fields, often whom you know will be just as important as what you know. Make an effort to get to know your union reps, befriend Millwrights at other job sites. You never know when these contacts can come in handy.  
Easteregg!