Millwright
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The trade of Millwright is concerned with the construction and maintenance of machinery.
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[edit] Traditionally
Derived from the trade of carpentry, a millwright originally was a specialized carpenter who was trained as a carpenter and as well had working knowledge of gear ratios, driveshaft speeds, and other equations. The "mill" in millwright refers to the genesis of the trade in building flour mills and other watermills and windmills. Biographies of some millwrights who were located in Norwich, England can be found here. Several important early civil engineers were originally trained as millwrights, including James Brindley and John Rennie.
[edit] Modern Millwright
A millwright today is someone who maintains or constructs industrial machinery such as that which would be related to assembly lines, also pumps, valves, printing presses, etc. Millwrights are usually responsible for the unassembled equipment when it arrives at the job site. Using hoisting and moving equipment they position the pieces that need to be assembled. Their job requires a thorough knowledge of the load bearing capabilities of the equipment they use as well as an understanding of blueprints and technical instructions.
Most millwrights are educated through apprenticeship programs where they receive a combination of classroom education along with a good deal of on-the-job training. Most programs last about four years. Apprentices are usually paid a percentage of the average millwright's wage, and this percentage increases with experience.
A high percentage of millwrights join unions to help protect their interests. Those with a high level of skill often start their own businesses as independent contractors.
Millwrights are also in high demand as teachers for vocational programs, both at the high school level and in post-secondary institutions. Many high schools feature fabrication courses that include metal work, where the experience of a qualified Millwright is extremely valuable. Often, these millwrights are paid a premium based on their years of field experience.
A typical job description for an industrial maintenance mechanic (millwright) often includes the primary purposes of installing, maintaining, upgrading and fabricating machinery and equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, and other drawings in industrial establishment.
Millwrights must be able to read blueprints and schematic drawings to determine work procedures, to construct foundations for and to assemble and dismantle machinery and equipment, using hand and power tools, and to direct workers engaged in such endeavors. In the course of work, millwrights may be required to move, assemble and install machinery and equipment such as shafting, conveyors, and tram rails, using hoists, dollies, rollers, and trucks. In addition, a millwright may also perform all duties of General Laborer, Skilled Laborer, Pipe Fitter, Carpenter, and possibly Electrician. A millwright may also perform some of the duties of a welder, such as arc welding, and oxyacetylene cutting.
Modern standards of practice for millwrights also require working within precise limits or standards of accuracy, at heights without fear; the use of logical step-by-step procedures in work; planning, solving problems and decision-making based on quantifiable information; and, the abilities to climb and maintain body balance on ladders, scaffolding, or other high structures, to see and hear well (either naturally or with correction) and to lift and carry heavy objects.
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