Millwrights are the skilled tradespeople at the heart of industrial construction, installation, and maintenance. Known as “the precision hands of the trades”, millwrights specialize in precision work, ensuring that equipment and machinery operate efficiently and safely. From turbines and conveyor systems to robotics and other advanced machinery, their expertise is indispensable across industries such as mining, clean energy, manufacturing, and more.
The Millwright Regional Council (MRC), part of the UBC Millwrights, is a leading force representing millwrights across Canada. The council champions safety, training, and professionalism, ensuring its members are equipped to meet the demands of evolving industries.
Millwrights in mining and clean energy
Mining and clean energy projects depend on millwrights for their success. In mining, millwrights handle heavy machinery such as crushers, hoists, and conveyance systems, maintaining efficiency and minimizing downtime. As the mining sector embraces more sustainable practices, millwrights are adapting to work with greener technologies, ensuring the industry remains competitive and environmentally responsible.
In clean energy, millwrights are critical to the installation and upkeep of wind turbines, hydroelectric systems, and even emerging technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Their ability to handle complex mechanical systems with precision and safety makes them ideal partners for contractors and project developers committed to building Canada’s green energy infrastructure.
Safety and training: Setting the standard
Safety is the cornerstone of the MRC and UBC Millwrights. Their commitment to stringent safety protocols ensures that every project, regardless of its size or complexity, is completed with the wellbeing of workers, partners, and communities in mind. Members undergo extensive safety training as part of their preparation for the field, equipping them to handle hazardous situations and maintain compliance with rigorous industry standards.
The Millwright Regional Council’s dedication to training is unmatched. Through partnerships with contractors and industry leaders, the MRC continuously updates its education programs to meet the demands of modern workplaces. Apprentices and journeypersons alike benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and programs that cover not only core mechanical skills, but also leadership skills and emerging areas like mechatronics.
By focusing on mechatronics—an interdisciplinary field combining mechanics, electronics, and computing—the MRC ensures its members stay ahead in industries increasingly reliant on automation and precision technology. This forward-thinking approach positions UBC union millwrights as essential contributors to Canada’s future economic growth and innovation.
A commitment to excellence
The Millwright Regional Council embodies a commitment to professionalism, quality, and partnership. Its members uphold the highest standards, offering contractors and project developers a safe, skilled, and reliable workforce. Through initiatives like the Introduction to Millwrighting (ITM) program, the MRC also opens doors for underrepresented groups, ensuring the next generation of millwrights reflects Canada’s diversity and strength.
Whether it’s powering Canada’s mines, harnessing clean energy, or driving technological progress, the MRC and its members are building a safer, more sustainable future. Their precision, dedication, and vision make them indispensable in transforming industries and supporting prosperity across Canada.
