Maintenance Mechanic/Millwright Apprentice

Maintenance mechanic working

Maintenance Mechanic/Millwright Apprentice

Registered Apprenticeship

16 Credits | 4 Years

Rice Lake, New Richmond

Career Cluster: Manufacturing

What is an Apprenticeship?

A Registered Apprenticeship is a state-certified work-based training program that combines paid-related instruction and on-the-job training. Apprentices are trained under a written training agreement called an indenture. While indentured, the employer agrees to teach the apprentice the skills of the trade and the apprentice agrees to learn the skills involved.

Maintenance Mechanic/Millwright Apprentice Overview

As a maintenance mechanic, machine repairer or millwright, you will install, dismantle or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints or other drawings. You will keep machines, mechanical equipment or the structure of an establishment in repair. Duties may involve pipe fitting, boiler making, insulating, welding, machining, carpentry, repairing electrical or mechanical equipment, installing, aligning and balancing new equipment and repairing buildings, floors or stairs. Essentially you will repair the buildings and everything mechanically within its contents.

Program Outcomes

Maintenance Mechanic/Millwright Apprentice completers will be able to:

  • Demonstrate proper rigging techniques 
  • Select an appropriate power transmission system for a given application 
  • Identify suitable pumps for given applications 
  • Recommend bearings for given applications 
  • Plan for fabricating parts and assemblies according to specifications 
  • Apply operational and troubleshooting principles to fluid power systems 
  • Layout an equipment installation plan 
  • Plan maintenance schedules for a given system

Technical Standards

In this program, students should be able to meet specific technical standards, which are the essential skills and abilities needed to be successful in a program, with or without reasonable accommodation. It is important to review and understand these standards before applying to the program. 

Learn More About Technical Standards for this Program

Student working in machine shop

On-the-job learning is 90% of apprenticeships. Apprentices are full-time, paid employees trained by the employer's skilled workers. 

Hands working on bearings

Progressive wages are earned by apprentices as their skills grow. Wages are set by the employer. Apprentices are paid to attend related instruction.

Student using equipment in Northwood Tech's state-of-the-art facilities

Apprentices learn the theory and lab to support on-the-job learning.


Academics

The Maintenance Mechanic/Millwright Apprenticeship courses are available on site at the Rice Lake and New Richmond campuses.

Program Features

This four-year apprenticeship includes 7,424 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of paid related instruction

Transition to Trainer

The Transition to Trainer course is required for completion. Students will take this course the last year of the apprenticeship

Continuing Education

Graduates are able to apply 39 program credits towards the Technical Studies – Journeyworker associate degree program


Required Courses

Program required courses are state approved and designed specifically to meet employer needs. 

Explore the Required Courses

Featured Maintenance Mechanic/Millwright Apprentice Courses

50423501
|
UGRD
| 2 CR
This course introduces apprentices to pipe sizes, materials and schedules, examines fittings, tubing and valves, and develops skills related to layout, installation, and maintenance. The course compares different pump types and their applications. Apprentices will complete a field inspection of pumps and learn how to troubleshoot, remove, overhaul, install, and perform preventative maintenance on pumps. Apprentices will examine packing, seals, and gaskets and compare materials and applications.
50423502
|
UGRD
| 2 CR
This course provides instruction to apprentices concerning many aspects of inspecting, servicing, and troubleshooting pneumatic, hydraulics systems and components. Apprentices will learn safety related issues and be taught proper safety procedures for working with pneumatic systems and components. This course introduces principles of vacuum systems and interpreting vacuum system schematics. Apprentices will then develop skills related to installing, repairing, replacing, and applying troubleshooting principles to vacuum systems and components.

Maintenance Mechanic/Millwright Apprentice is Part of a Career Pathway

As an Injection Mold Set-Up (Plastic) Apprentice student at Northwood Tech, you can earn credentials each step of the way! 

You could take this first.

Maintenance Mechanic/Millwright Certified Pre-Apprenticeship (CPA)

Potential Careers
Production Technician, Assembly, Maintenance 1
Arrow pointing down

Continue to earn your apprenticeship.

Potential Careers
Maintenance Technician, Industrial Machinery Mechanic, Industrial Mechanic, Loom Fixer, Loom Technician, Machine Adjuster, Machine Mechanic, Mechanic, Overhauler, Maintenance Millwright, Precision Millwright
Arrow pointing down

Earn an Associate Degree.

Continue your education to earn a bachelor's degree.


 

Admissions and Tuition

To become an apprentice in the state of Wisconsin, one must first be indentured by the State Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards (BAS). To become indentured you must:

  • Contact an employer on your own. Employment is a requirement of entering an apprenticeship.
  • Once you have an employer / sponsor, contact the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards to initiate the application process between you and your employer

See Requirements and Application for more details

Cost of Attendance

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the costs that you may incur while attending Northwood Technical College.

Learn More About Cost of Attendance

Estimated Total Program Tuition 2024-25*

Maintenance Mechanic/Millwright Apprentice

16 Credits | 4 years

$2,668


*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented. 


After the Northwood Tech Maintenance Mechanic/Millwright Apprenticeship

Upon completion of the apprenticeship, you will receive a Certificate of Apprenticeship Completion issued by the Department of Workforce Development - Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards (DWD-BAS).


Contact

Eric Lockwood, Director, Apprenticeships and Academies
715.246.1871
Email Eric

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