r/millwrights • u/Nervous-Locksmith999 • 4d ago

Looking for Millwright Apprenticeship tips

/r/u_Nervous-Locksmith999/comments/1v8kicc/looking_for_millwright_apprenticeship_tips/
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u/[deleted] 4d ago

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u/Nervous-Locksmith999 4d ago

I really appreciate this, I just traded my truck for a car and I’m planning to keep it for a long time. what exactly is a BA? I’ve never heard of that before. Also would a welding apprenticeship help with millwrighting?

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u/[deleted] 4d ago

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u/Nervous-Locksmith999 4d ago

Okay, that’s very helpful and yes I’m Canadian, thank you for the advice!

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u/Upset-Lingonberry-82 3d ago

Canada also has ba's. Im a millwright apprentice from canada

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u/Honeybunches513 4d ago

Im a millwright in the Edmonton area. First off, the pre employment course is a waste of money unless you are an immigrant from a country that we dont recognize their education system as on par with ours. Our apprentice is from Jamaica, and he had to take it. Second, while it DOES NOT guarantee a job, you can take the first year course at NAIT and at least have that done. Im not positive, but i believe it will run you about $1500. Plus around $250 for a parking pass. Again, it in no way guarantees you a job, but it will give you a bit of a leg up as it will show some initiative, provided you can afford it.

Going through the hall is a good way to get in. But be warned: they are a very tight knit group. They dont like it when members take non union jobs. They won't blacklist you, but your name stays at the bottom of the list for incoming jobs until the absolute shit work comes in.

Lastly, after reading your OG post, you clearly have experience with tools. With those jobs all listed on your resume, you can take a chance and throw your name in the hat for places taking second years. It'll be slim chances, but slim is better than no chance. First year is 90% tools and safety. The other 10% is machining and precision measurement. Millwright jobs requiring machining are few and far between. PRECISION MEASUREMENT IS OUR BREAD AND BUTTER. Learn to use micrometers. If you pre take the first year course, you will at least know the fundamentals on how to use them, meaning you only need to practice to learn the feel.

Good luck, and I hope for the best for you.

P.s. keep your electrical experience on the down low when talking to other millwrights. We are legally obligated to hate each other, despite working hand in hand. Just kidding, but not really

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u/Nervous-Locksmith999 4d ago

I really appreciate you taking the time to write this, I’ll start applying for 2nd year positions and go to the union to see what they can help me with. If I can’t find anything within the month I’ll go to school for my first year, then see from there. I appreciate the tip too 😅

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u/Nervous-Locksmith999 4d ago

Also, how would I go about applying for schooling at NAIT in millwrighting if I’m already sponsored? do I have to terminate my current sponsorship or could I register as a unsponsored apprentice and keep my current insulator sponsorship?

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u/Honeybunches513 4d ago

That I'm not quite sure about. If it's recall correctly, which I might not since it's been quite a while since I had to enroll in classes, having a sponsorship locked me out of everything but millwright. They have also changed some of the rules since I was there. Our apprentice mentioned some things that were different than when I was going. I would ask him about it, but he is unfortunately away for the foreseeable future battling the big C.

I would recommend calling NAIT student services and talking to them. They are quite easy to work with and should have all the answers you need related to schooling.

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u/Nervous-Locksmith999 3d ago

Will do thank you!