Employment in this occupation is highly sensitive to overall economic conditions, but is not seasonal. Some high school education is usually required for construction millwrights. Industrial mechanic trade certification is compulsory in Quebec and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and territories. Construction millwright trade certification is available, but not compulsory, in New Brunswick and Ontario. With experience, people in this group may progress to supervisory positions.
Industrial mechanics work in manufacturing plants, utilities and other industrial organizations.
Labour market conditions for new entrants will remain poor through 2001. Many new technologies use electronics technicians rather than millwrights. Although millwrights are becoming more productive with advances in measuring devices, they must have the skills required to use these devices. The increasing complexity of mechanical systems also increases the skill requirements of this occupation. The increase in labour requirements through 2001 for this occupation will occur across a broad range of industries, with the largest increase in the motor vehicle and construction industries.