Durham College outlines millwright career paths and apprenticeship exemptions

Durham College says graduates of its Mechanical Technician – Millwright program can pursue work in industries ranging from nuclear power to water treatment and are eligible for exemption from all in-school requirements for industrial millwright apprenticeship training (IMM 433A). Employers may still require additional classroom training, the college said in an Oct. 30, 2026, announcement.

The college says most employers who hire its graduates do not require additional in-school training.

Program coordinator Clair Cornish described career paths that include heavy equipment maintenance, manufacturing and specialized work with hydraulics, pneumatics and power transmission components. He also identified work involving programmable logic controllers, electronic controls and artificial intelligence.

According to the college, graduates can also work in power generation, amusement park ride maintenance and food production plants.

After graduating in 2022, Melissa Pigden applied for an apprenticeship with the City of Toronto. She has worked as an industrial millwright mechanic for four years, according to the college.

Pigden gained experience at water treatment plants and supply pumping stations before moving to a wastewater treatment plant, where she maintains pumps, centrifuges and compressors.

Pigden said hands-on training with pumps, lathes and milling machines prepared her for equipment she encountered on the job.