Everything about working as a Millwright in SA

Do you want to learn more about becoming a Millwright? From the average millwright salary to the skills that are required, you can find all the information that you need to know, in our blog. If you are mechanically minded and trustworthy, this may be a good occupation for you. Check out our job description and learn more about millwright jobs on Job Mail.

What is a Millwright?

To start off, you may be asking yourself, what is a Millwright? If this is an occupation that you haven’t heard of before, we are here to explain.

millwright jobs

A Millwright is responsible for installing and repairing industrial machinery. Employees in this occupation also deal with electromechanical equipment. The occupation is considered a trade and is also listed a scarce skill.

Millwright jobs are available in factories as well as government agencies. Big corporations such as Eskom and Sasol also hire these professionals. Another option for millwrights is to be self-employed. Vacancies in this field are also sometimes advertised as electromechanician, printers’ mechanic or machine tool millwright.

A look at the Millwright Job Description

A millwright works with electrical machinery as well as motors. They also work with generators and instruments. Their job may require them to deal with the electrical elements of elevators.

Professionals in this field also install and repair electrical elements of domestic appliances. They are qualified to check and test electrical products. Their duties include linking electrical structures to power supplies and fixing faulty parts.

A millwright is expected to analyse drawings. They are required to disassemble machines in order to detect faults. Professionals are also tasked with maintenance and repair duties. It is vital for artisans in this role to keep up to date with the latest developments in the industry. They are required to regulate power consumption through electrical wiring checks.

An important duty of the job is keeping machines in good working condition through fixing machinery as well as lubrication. According to PayScale, the average Millwright salary is R296 824 per annum. A millwright can increase their salary by developing their skills in systems troubleshooting. It is also advantageous to have fault finding capabilities.

working as a millwright

Working conditions for millwrights differ according to the company that you are working for. Generally a millwright works inside. Hazards of the job include working with oil and grease as well as sharp metal.

Physical strength and fitness are required as the working conditions involve heavy lifting and physical activities. Millwrights typically work a regular 40 hour week, however overtime may be required in order to meet deadlines. Permanent work is usually available in factories but construction positions may come with stretches of unemployment.

Millwright Qualifications

As the occupation of a millwright is classified as a trade, it operates under the Department of Higher Education and Training. The National Artisan Body monitors this occupation. In order to work as a millwright, you will need to pass a trade test.

This test can be completed at an accredited national trade centre. To enter the learning pathway for this trade you will need at least 40% in mathematics at a Grade 9 level. You can also gain entrance to this learning pathway with a Level 2 National Certificate.

To qualify as an artisan you can complete an apprenticeship under the guidance of a qualified artisan. The apprenticeship involves both theoretical and practical components. Typically an apprentice will learn the theory and then continue with a practical placement in a workshop.

qualifications and training for millwrights

Another option is to enrol in a learnership. This learning pathway involves a structured program which incorporates theoretical and practical components as well as work experience. If you have worked as an artisan for the specified period of time, then you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. Importantly you will need to complete a trade test before you will be considered a qualified artisan.

Do you have the right skills to be a millwright? To succeed you need to be mechanically minded. Self-confidence is also required. This position demands the ability to complete tasks under pressure. Millwrights must have superior hand-eye co-ordination. They also need to be physically fit and detail orientated.

If you decide that this isn’t the right career for you, consider becoming an automotive electrician. You can learn more about this career path by reading our “Auto Electrician jobs and working on motorised vehicles” post on the Job Mail Blog.

Once you have explored the different job opportunities out there, it is easy to make an educated decision about what career to pursue. You can apply for apprenticeships and millwright jobs by registering your CV on Job Mail.

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Everything about working as a Millwright in SA
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Everything about working as a Millwright in SA
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Do you want to learn more about becoming a Millwright? From the average salary to the skills that are required, you can find all the information here.
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Job Mail
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1 Response

  1. Senzo Tembe says:

    This is lovely job

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