Millwright - Mohawk Labor Services

Millwright

Millwrights are skilled mechanics that specialize in working with machined or fabricated metal. Typically, millwrights work in an industrial setting and work with rotating equipment. At MLS we focus solely on the teardown and rebuilding of power generation turbines and generators located at power plants or industrial sites.

The Millwright craft is a skilled craft requiring specific education and certifications. This education can be obtained in various ways. Although the skills can be learned through hands on experience, typically Millwrights attend some schooling either through trades schools at the high school or junior college level or through employer sponsored classroom curriculum. Education and certifications include use of hand tools, use of precision measurement tools, rigging and crane certification. Most A class Millwrights have 10 years of hands on experience to supplement the formal training.

The Millwright trade is a very physical trade requiring working in demanding environments and managing heavy tools and machinery. Work environments for Millwrights at MLS can range from high heat and humidity in summer months to below zero temperatures in winter months. Typically, the work performed is inside a power plant or industrial operation where the temperature of the work environment can be exacerbated by adjacent operating equipment and steam. The work environment can also be outside and mostly unprotected depending on the type of power plant. Almost all turbine and generator work occurs at elevated levels or platforms which requires climbing stairs and ladders. Our work area region ranges the full extent of the US, PR and the Dominican Republic.

Millwrights must be able to lift in excess of 50 lbs. in situations where footing may be uneven, and clearance may be minimal. They must be able to bend over, stoop, and perform work in tight spaces. Many of the tools and machinery weigh in excess of 100lbs and require two Millwrights working together to move it into place. Due to the nature and requirements of the equipment a Millwright may be required to effectively manage a 25 lb sledgehammer when tightening down a turbine shell.

Millwrights are expected to work at heights and must be comfortable working with a safety harness and lanyard. Millwrights work in OSHA defined confined spaces and must be comfortable wearing escape respirators. In addition to operating power tools, most Millwrights are expected to operate forklifts or operate overhead cranes. Some tasking may include the millwright being required to wear a tight-fitting half or full-face respirator with medical qualification.

Work schedules vary however most work is conducted on a 10 or 12-hour daily schedule and can work periods be in excess of 30 continuous days during a prolonged customer outage. A millwright may be required to work either day or night shift. Millwrights travel to the customer sites.