In Ontario, Canada, industries such as manufacturing, food processing, energy, and construction all rely heavily on the expertise of millwrights. These skilled tradespeople are responsible for installing, maintaining, repairing, and dismantling machinery with precision. Without them, production lines stall, efficiency drops, and downtime costs soar.
Yet, many companies across Ontario struggle to find experienced and reliable millwrights. Whether you are in Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, or smaller towns across the province, the challenge of locating a qualified professional remains the same. Let’s explore why finding a good, established millwright in Ontario is so difficult and what to consider when searching for one.
1. A Shortage of Skilled Trades in Ontario
Across Canada, there is a well-documented shortage of skilled tradespeople, and millwrights are no exception. The demand far outweighs the supply. As older, highly skilled millwrights retire, there are fewer apprentices and new tradespeople entering the field to replace them.
The Ontario government’s skilled trades outlook highlights the growing demand for millwrights and other trades, making it one of the hardest positions to fill in today’s job market.
2. High Demand Across Multiple Industries
Millwrights are not limited to one sector. Their skills are needed everywhere , from food and beverage plants to automotive manufacturing facilities. Because their expertise is so versatile, many industries are competing for the same small pool of talent.
This competition drives demand up, making it harder for individual businesses to secure long-term millwright support unless they are willing to offer competitive wages and benefits.
3. Experience and Certification Matter
Finding a millwright is one thing; finding an established millwright with the right certifications is another challenge altogether. Ontario requires millwrights to hold specific qualifications such as the 433A Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) Certificate of Qualification.
Employers are not just looking for someone with tools , they need proven, licensed professionals who understand industry standards, health and safety requirements, and complex machinery. The result? A smaller pool of qualified candidates to choose from.
4. Location Challenges Across Ontario
Ontario is vast, and while larger cities like Toronto or Mississauga may have more millwrights available, smaller towns often face severe shortages. Companies in rural or northern Ontario may wait weeks or even months to find a reliable millwright willing to travel or relocate.
5. Retention Is as Difficult as Recruitment
Even after finding a good millwright, keeping them can be difficult. Skilled tradespeople are in such high demand that they are often recruited by competitors offering higher pay or better benefits. For many businesses, the issue is not only finding a millwright but also retaining them long-term.
How to Find a Reliable Millwright in Ontario
Despite the challenges, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of finding and keeping the right millwright:
- Work with established recruitment agencies specializing in skilled trades. For example, you can explore engineering recruitment services in Ontario that focus on connecting employers with highly skilled professionals.
- Offer competitive wages and benefits to attract top talent.
- Prioritize safety and training programs to appeal to experienced professionals.
- Build long-term relationships with millwrights by fostering a positive work environment.
- Tap into apprenticeship programs to develop new talent for the future. If you’re struggling with specialised roles, partnering with an engineering search firm can streamline the hiring process.
Final Thoughts
Finding a good, established millwright in Ontario, Canada, is no easy task. Between the skilled trades shortage, high industry demand, and strict certification requirements, employers must put in extra effort to secure the right professional.
However, businesses that invest in competitive packages, training opportunities, and positive workplace culture will have a much better chance of not only hiring but also retaining the millwrights they need.
If you are struggling to find a qualified millwright in Ontario, start early, consider all recruitment options, and focus on building long-term relationships. The right millwright is out there , but they are indeed hard to find.