Maintenance Mechanic/Millwright Apprenticeship

About the Career

Broken or inefficient machines slow the pace of manufacturing and, ultimately, profits. The Maintenance Mechanic/Millwright Apprenticeship program is employer-sponsored. This program combines the on-the-job hands-on training with related training at the technical college. Some hands-on training is used to reinforce the related training. Thus, skills are developed to help the mechanic keep machines and equipment operating and productive. If you like to maintain, repair, and troubleshoot problems and put theory to work, a career as a maintenance mechanic/millwright may be your ticket to success. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, Maintenance Mechanic/Millwrights will be needed to maintain and repair existing machinery, dismantle old machinery, and maintain and install new machinery. As experienced Maintenance Mechanic/Millwrights leave the workforce for retirement or other careers, job opportunities will be available.

About this apprenticeship

2024-2025 Program Courses

Hours

The Maintenance Mechanic/Millwright Apprenticeship requires 8,000 work hours - 7,424 on the job and 576 in paid-related instruction. In addition, 8 hours of unpaid-related night school is required.

Wages

You can get an idea of what other Lakeshore program graduates are paid by reviewing the Lakeshore graduate follow-up survey.

Costs

Approximate costs include tuition ($2,500) and books ($2,000).

Employers

Companies in the Lakeshore district who currently employ Maintenance Mechanics/Millwrights include:

  • AMMO Inc.
  • Bemis Manufacturing Co.
  • BW Papersystems
  • Charter Steel
  • Curt G. Joa Inc.
  • GKN Sinter Metals
  • International Paper
  • JTD Enterprises
  • Kiel Machine Works
  • Lakeside Foods Inc.
  • Manitowoc Pattern & Machining LLC
  • Nemak
  • Plastics Engineering Co.
  • Rockline Industries
  • The Vollrath Co. LLC
  • Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry

Upon successful completion of this apprenticeship, you will receive:

  1. A Certificate of Completion of paid-related Instruction from Lakeshore
  2. A Certificate of Completion of the Apprenticeship from the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards
  3. A Journeyworker card from the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards
  4. Eligibility to transfer 39 credits into a Journeyworker Technical Studies Associate Degree

What are the steps to apply?

Step 1:

You must have a sponsoring employer before receiving an apprentice contract and being invited to school. Note: One good option prior to gaining employment is to enroll in Lakeshore's one-year Maintenance Mechanic program. Discuss with your employer your desire to enter the apprenticeship for this trade. Your employer should contact the local Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards - Apprenticeship Training Representative (ATR) and discuss next steps and procedures. The ATR for our area is:

Ryan Herber - Apprenticeship Training Representative
Lakeshore College
1290 North Avenue
Cleveland, WI 53015-1414
Work: 920.693.1102
Email: ryan.herber1@dwd.wisconsin.gov

Step 2:

Specifics for the apprenticeship contract are worked out between you, your employer, and the ATR (Apprenticeship Training Representative).

Step 3:

Once everything is in order, a Wisconsin Apprentice Contract is issued and you will than be invited to school.

Frequently Asked Questions about apprenticeships