Employment is projected to grow more slowly than average, and applicants with broad skills in machine repair and maintenance should have favorable job prospects.
Employment of industrial machinery mechanics and millwrights is expected to grow 6 percent from 2008 to 2018, more slowly than the average for all occupations. The increased use of machinery in manufacturing will require more millwrights to install this equipment and more mechanics and maintenance workers to keep it in good working order.
Employment of millwrights is expected to grow 1 percent from 2008 to 2018, the equivalent of little or no change. The demand for millwrights is driven by the purchasing of machinery in the construction and manufacturing industries. Cost-cutting pressures will drive manufacturers to further automate production and increase machinery presence on the factory floor. The growth of the power industry will also generate work for millwrights, as they install and repair turbines on wind mills, coal plants, and hydroelectric dams.
Employment of industrial machinery mechanics and maintenance workers is expected to grow 7 percent from 2008 to 2018, which is slower than average. As factories become increasingly automated, these workers will be needed to maintain and repair the automated equipment. However, many new computer-controlled machines are capable of diagnosing problems quickly, resulting in faster and easier repair, which somewhat slows the growth of these occupations.
Applicants with broad skills in machine repair and maintenance should have favorable job prospects. In addition to job openings from growth, there will be a need to replace the many older workers who are expected to retire, and those who leave the occupation for other reasons. Some employers have reported difficulty in recruiting young workers with the necessary skills.
Mechanics and millwrights are not as affected by changes in production levels as other manufacturing workers, as mechanics and millwrights often are retained during production downtime to complete major equipment overhaul and to keep expensive machinery in working order.
Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers and millwrights held about 408,300 jobs in 2008. 45,200 of these jobs were held by millwrights, with the largest concentration of workers in manufacturing and construction industries. In manufacturing, many of these workers are employed in the transportation equipment, wood product, and paper manufacturing industries. In construction, most workers were employed in the nonresidential building, and building equipment contractors, industries. Also, some millwrights work in the utilities industry.
Industrial machinery mechanics held about 287,700 jobs, while machinery maintenance workers accounted for 75,400 jobs. Many of both types of workers were employed in the manufacturing sector in industries such as food processing and chemical, fabricated metal product, machinery, and motor vehicle and parts manufacturing. Additionally, about 10 percent work in wholesale trade, mostly for dealers of industrial equipment. Manufacturers often rely on these dealers to make complex repairs to specific machines. About 9 percent of mechanics work for the commercial and industrial machinery and equipment repair and maintenance industry, often making site visits to companies to repair equipment.
Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation
Overall Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have gone through an apprenticeship program or several years of vocational training to perform the job.
Education
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training, including both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.
Examples
Dental assistants, electricians, fish and game wardens, legal secretaries, personnel recruiters and recreational workers.
These occupations often involve using communication and organization skills to manage and train others.
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For information about millwright training and apprenticeships, contact:
For further information on apprenticeship programs, write to the Apprenticeship Council of your State's labor department or local firms that employ machinery mechanics and repairers. You can also find information on registered apprenticeships, together with links to State apprenticeship programs, on the U.S. Department of Labor web site: http://www.doleta.gov/OA/eta_default.cfm. Apprenticeship information is also available from the U.S. Department of Labor toll-free helpline: (877) 872-5627.
Sources: O*Net data version 12.0
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Department of Labor
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