From Encyclopedia Jr, free information reference for Kids
Derived from the trade of carpentry, a millwright originally was a specialised carpenter who was trained as a carpenter and as well had working knowledge of gear ratios, driveshaft speeds, and other equations. The "mill" in millwright refers to the genesis of the trade in flour mills. Biographies of some millwrights who were located in Norwich, England can be found here. Several important early civil engineers were originally trained as millwrights, including James Brindley and John Rennie.
A millwright today is someone who maintains or constructs industrial machinery such as that which would be related to assembly lines, also pumps, valves, printing presses, etc. Millwrights are usually responsible for the unassembled equipment when it arrives at the job site. Using hoisting and moving equipment they position the pieces that need to be assembled. Their job requires a thorough knowledge of the load bearing capabilities of the equipment they use as well as an understanding of blueprints and technical instructions.
Most millwrights are educated through apprenticeship programs where they receive a combination of classroom education along with a good deal of on the job training. Most programs last about 4 years. The apprenticeships usually pay a small stipend that increases with experience.
A high percentage of millwrights join unions to help protect their interests and those with a high level of skill often start their own businesses as independent contractors.
[edit] External links
 Metalworking:
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Metalworking occupations:
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Boilermaker | Die making | International Metalworkers' Federation | Ironworkers | Machinist | Metal spinning | Millwright | Moldmaker | Sawfiler
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Metalworking: