Overview

Jumpstart your journey into the high-demand field of industrial mechanics with our intensive 12-week Pre-employment Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) program.

Designed as a streamlined alternative to the first period of traditional apprenticeship, this program covers the foundational course materials that a first-year apprentice would encounter. 

In this program, you will:  

  • learn about machining, machine assembly, blueprint reading, rigging and hoisting, machine alignment, drive systems, and the application of precision measurement tools and testing equipment 
  • engage in practical training to install, troubleshoot, repair and maintain a diverse range of industrial machinery 
  • acquire the hands-on skills and technical knowledge that prepare you for various positions and responsibilities within the industry. 

Graduates are well-positioned for employment in various sectors, including oil and gas, construction, manufacturing, materials handling and even specialized areas such as ski lift maintenance. 

Whether you aspire to become a seasoned millwright or move into supervisory roles, our program is the stepping stone to a career path in industrial mechanics.  

Industrial mechanics tend to be objective, innovative and methodical. 

You need:  

  • mechanical aptitude 
  • critical thinking and problem-solving skills 
  • the ability to use your hands skillfully and quickly 
  • the ability to estimate and measure sizes and distances accurately 
  • the ability to work alone on tasks that require concentration and physical effort.

You should enjoy doing creative work with machinery that requires a high degree of skill and precision.

This program aligns with the first period of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training's (AIT) Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) curriculum.

Graduates are eligible to register as apprentices and challenge the first-period exam.

Once you pass the exam and complete the necessary training hours with an employer, you may register for SAIT's Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) apprenticeship program beginning in period two.

Upon successful completion of the program, you'll receive a SAIT Pre-Employment Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) certificate.

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

Each year, SAIT conducts a survey between February and April to determine the employment rate, salary and satisfaction of our newest SAIT alumni. 

people icon 82% graduate employment rate

salary icon $62,400 average starting salary

Find out more about our graduate employment statistics >

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 72400, 72020, 22301.

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Career planning support

Unsure which career path is for you? Here are some recommended career planning resources to help you decide your future.

You can also head to Alberta alis for lots of information about careers in Alberta, including quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a path.

Finally, you can take our online career finder quiz, which can help narrow your options based on your current skills and interests.

Courses

The Pre-Employment Industrial Mechanic Millwright certificate requires 12 credits (four courses) to complete.

Course Credits

Learners will study millwright trade theory. Subject areas covered are safety, climbing, rigging, cranes, hoists, hazardous materials and fire protection,journeyman certification, communication, hand tools, power tools, fasteners and measurement tools.

3

Learners will study practical machining skills for millwrights such as the use of power tools, fasteners and measurement tools.

3

Learners will study practical skills training for millwrights including safety, standard practices for climbing, lifting, rigging and hoisting, installation of machinery and shaft alignment.

3

Learners will study machining for the millwright trade. Subject areas covered are measuring tools, layout, hand tools, fasteners, interpret technical drawings, machine tools and machine operations.

3

Progression

You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.

To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure > 

Admission requirements

Applicants educated in Canada

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and completion of the following courses or equivalents:

  • Math 20-1, Math 20-2, or Math 20-3, and
  • English Language Arts 20-1 or English Language Arts 20-2, and
  • Science 10.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find accepted educational documents and assessment options

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

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Academic Upgrading

Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.

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English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Transfer agreements

At SAIT, we evaluate post-secondary credit you have previously earned and apply it to your SAIT credential. Explore our formal transfer agreements available for this program.

We can evaluate your prior education, even if we don't have a formal agreement in place.

Submit a transfer credit application

There are no formal transfer agreements currently in place for this program.

Transfer options for graduates

Build on the knowledge you’ve learned at SAIT. The opportunity to advance your education at an accredited post-secondary institution may be available.

🔗 Visit Transfer Alberta search tool for all transfer agreements in Alberta (including UCalgary, MRU and BVC).

If there are transfer agreements with other institutions outside of Alberta, nationally or internationally, they will be listed below.

Available intakes

Winter 2025

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: Extended

Fall 2025

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: June 30, 2025

Costs

2024/25 tuition and fees

The following estimated costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 0.5* $7,356 $159 $7,515
Total cost:
$7,515
*Less than a full semester of 16 weeks.

Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.

Can't find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they're still refining course details or if you're in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.

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Financial aid

Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.

Alberta Job Grant

This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.

Application process

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to apply

Communication during admission

Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the ma.info@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.

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Begin your application

Apply now using the online application portal. 

Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants.

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

  • What sets SAIT apart
  • An introduction to the program and area of study
  • Admission requirements
  • Future career paths
  • Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

Contact us

School of Manufacturing and Automation Advising

Phone
403.284.8641
Email
ma.info@sait.ca
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Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.

SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.

We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.