Millwrights perform mission-critical work across a range of industries, yet it’s a little-known specialty. One organization is trying to change that.
Throughout the Millwright Regional Council’s strategically located full-service facilities across Canada, UBC millwrights have the proven skills to guide diverse capital projects across sectors to successful completion. These highly skilled, cross-trained construction and maintenance professionals, who install, maintain, diagnose, and repair precision machinery, are as adept at small projects as they are at large ones. They help keep the lights on in our communities and industry moving.
With massive infrastructure projects underway across the country, Canada is made by and for millwrights. From the growing material handling industry in distribution plants, including massive Amazon warehouses, to oil and gas projects, mining, the burgeoning renewable energy sector, and so much more, UBC millwrights work in project management, installation, and maintenance.
Our commitment to fostering a highly skilled professional workforce is crucial as we build Canada’s infrastructure for the future,” said Mark Beardsworth, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Millwright Regional Council. “We are not only addressing the demands of diverse industries but also empowering our members with the training and skills necessary to excel in a rapidly evolving workplace. Together with our industry partners, we are laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and innovation that will benefit our members for generations to come.
Mark Beardsworth, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Millwright Regional Council
We spoke with Andrew Bredin, Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations for the Millwright Regional Council, to learn how UBC millwrights are helping build Canada.
What’s the benefit of hiring a UBC millwright?
By partnering with UBC millwrights, industry has direct access to highly skilled, responsible, and safety-focused talent that can meet the challenges of any industrial project. Rigorous training standards ensure quality work at a competitive cost, and with consistent results. UBC millwrights are trained in the latest techniques, using advanced technology across industries. We connect skilled millwrights with contractors and owners across Canada and keep projects moving.
What changes have you seen in the relationship between the Millwright Regional Council and your industry partners?
There has been a positive shift. We’re working together with industry. We continue to change the mindset of the past and be part of the discussion early on in a project. We build partnerships based on respect and trust, which is important for our members and industry partners. By working together, we can help projects stay on budget, on time, and with quality workmanship.
How would you describe the role of a millwright?
We are industrial mechanics. We work with anything that has moving parts, from small turbines the size of a car to nuclear plants that are larger than a football field. And we’re not just turning wrenches. We diagnose and troubleshoot, and can fabricate new parts for machines that in some cases are over 100 years old, while also training in new technology. We like to say that we keep the world turning.
How can millwrights help in the building of Canada?
We are no longer a secret workforce. We want owners to know we can help with these large projects. Our contractor partners and members have a proven record of quality and professionalism. We develop safety partnerships with contractors and owners to protect the health and safety of our millwrights and to safeguard owners’ investments.
What is the Millwright Regional Council doing to support diversity in the profession?
Companies are building diverse workforces, and we can help with this. Our goal is to find the best millwrights and we’re finding many of them in non-traditional places — women and Indigenous Peoples, in particular, who never knew that being a millwright was an option for them. People interested in becoming millwrights don’t need previous experience and our Introduction to Millwrighting program supports apprentices from all corners of our communities with additional training and funding, so they can successfully apply to our four-year apprenticeship. It’s satisfying to know that we’re opening doors for people.
How is technology changing the work of millwrights?
Our millwrights are a lot savvier when it comes to the latest technology. In the past, change was not always embraced, and new technology could be seen as taking away jobs. Instead of dragging our heels, UBC millwrights are becoming experts in new technologies and it’s paying off by creating efficiency in projects and more opportunities for our members.
Do you anticipate continued demand for millwrights in Canada?
Absolutely. There’s a huge push on infrastructure renewal and development across Canada and we have thousands of professional millwrights ready to be a part of that. We have a good base of talent in each province, but we also have a mobile workforce who can deploy to remote job sites. We put a lot of stock in the apprentice program and it’s paying dividends for new projects. We’re continually developing partnerships and new business with industry.
If you’re a contractor or owner looking for a partner you can count on, or you’re searching for a rewarding career, the Millwright Regional Council can help. Learn more at ubcmillwrights.ca.
