Description

This 24 week program prepares students for employment as an Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) apprentice. To support career success, students learn trade attributes and employability skills, critical core knowledge, academic components and essential skills. Students are provided ongoing opportunities to apply the practical skills taught throughout the program in hand, power and machine tool use, and perform various shop projects in stationary industrial machinery and mechanical equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, overhauling and installation. 

Students who successfully complete the Foundation program are eligible for SkilledTradesBC credit in Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) Level 1 technical training apprenticeship and 425 work-based hours. 

Taking a foundation program can build the skills that employers are looking for. To progress as an apprentice you will need to find an employer who will sponsor your apprenticeship and register with the SkilledTradesBC. When you are ready for career advancement; KPU delivers Millwright/Industrial Mechanic Apprentice in-school technical training levels 2, 3 and 4. 

Please see kpu.ca/trades for schedule information.

Who Studies Millwright/Industrial Mechanic?

This program is suited for individuals that have an aptitude and interest in mechanics and math, and enjoy investigation, analysis and problem solving. Physical demand can vary, there is a considerable amount of lifting, bending and manual dexterity. Additional information is available at: kpu.ca/trades/millwright.

Career Opportunities

Industrial mechanics (Millwrights) are employed in manufacturing plants, utilities and other industrial establishments. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with additional training and experience.

Faculty's website: kpu.ca/trades

Department's website: kpu.ca/trades/millwright

Effective Fall 2025, the following Admission Requirements apply:

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting one of KPU’s applicant categories, the following program admission requirements apply:

• English:
  • English Studies 12 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or
  • Literary Studies 12 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or
  • English First Peoples 12 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or
  • Composition 12 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or
  • Creative Writing 12 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or
  • KPU’s Vocational Trades English Reading Assessment with a minimum score of 80%.
• Mathematics:
  • Workplace Mathematics 11 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or
  • Foundations of Mathematics 11 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or
  • Pre-calculus 11 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or
  • KPU’s Math Placement Test (MPT) with a minimum score of 12.

Notes:

• Group information sessions are regularly scheduled at the Cloverdale campus, and participation is highly recommended. Please see kpu.ca/trades for schedule information.
• Completion of high school technology education courses is an asset in the ability to progress through the program.

Accessibility Services (Accommodations): Students seeking accommodations for a disability should contact Accessibility Services to explore options to remove potential barriers to their learning experience. Prospective students and applicants are encouraged to reach out for support as early as possible as some services require advance planning. An Accessibility Advisor or Learning Specialist will review the course essential skills and abilities and determine what, if any, accommodations could support your education.

Admission Requirements

In addition to KPU’s General university admission requirements, including the vocational-level English Proficiency Requirement, the following program admission requirements apply.

• English:
  • English Studies 12 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or
  • Literary Studies 12 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or
  • English First Peoples 12 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or
  • Composition 12 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or
  • Creative Writing 12 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or
  • KPU’s Vocational Trades English Reading Assessment with a minimum score of 80%.
• Mathematics:
  • Any Math 11 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or
  • KPU’s Vocational Trades Mathematics Assessment with a minimum score of 55%.

Notes:

• Group information sessions are regularly scheduled at the Cloverdale campus, and participation is highly recommended. Please see kpu.ca/trades for schedule information.
• Completion of high school shop courses is an asset.

Satisfactory physical health is also recommended. Prior to applying, prospective students with mental or physical impairments, who may require program accommodations, should contact the Office of the Dean of Trades and Technology to discuss required skills and competencies, and Accessibility Services to ensure appropriate accommodations can be arranged.

Accessibility Services (Accommodations): Students seeking accommodations for a disability should contact Accessibility Services to explore options to remove potential barriers to their learning experience. Prospective students and applicants are encouraged to reach out for support as early as possible as some services require advance planning. An Accessibility Advisor or Learning Specialist will review the course essential skills and abilities and determine what, if any, accommodations could support your education.

Curricular Requirements

Hands-on shop experience is the basis on which skills are developed. Various forms of classroom and shop instruction including lectures, labs, shop assignments, team assignments, practical demonstrations, hands-on training, structured projects, individual demonstration of technical skills, and group lectures will be utilized. Also, independent study modules and directed studies modules supplemented with a wide selection of audiovisual material are available where necessary. The program focuses on direct contact between students and faculty. In addition, the expertise of other departments will be utilized to deliver specialized courses.

Speaking the language of the trade is necessary for the graduate in dealing with other trades and service people, distributors and manufacturers. Students will be required to gain proficiency in trade terminology and interpersonal and employability skills.

The student will develop the safe work habits, knowledge and ability required in industry today.

Students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.67 for all required courses:

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
ENGT 1015	Communication Skills for Trades I	1.5
MATT 1013	Mathematics/Science for Manufacturing and Mechanical Trades Level 1	1.5
MWIN 1101	Millwright Trade Safety	2
MWIN 1106	Print Reading and Sketching	1
MWIN 1112	Measuring Tools	1
MWIN 1113	Layout and Machine Foundations	1.5
MWIN 1121	Hand Tools and Bench Work	1
MWIN 1131	Power Hand Tools	1
MWIN 1135	Rigging	2
MWIN 1141	Machine Tool Basics	3
MWIN 1150	Machine Tools	2
MWIN 1160	Fasteners and Fittings	1
MWIN 1180	Level 1 Welding for Millwrights	2.5
MWIN 1205	Lubrication	1
Total Credits		22

Other Information

Special Equipment

Students are required to supply the appropriate personal safety equipment steel-toed safety boots, safety glasses and coveralls. A list of required tools, equipment or supplies will be provided by the instructor at the start of the program.

Credential Awarded

Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible to receive a Citation in Millwright/Industrial Mechanic.

KPU will report your in-school technical training completion information to SkilledTradesBC in order for the SkilledTradesBC to determine credit towards your designated apprenticeship.