Industrial maintenance mechanic: diploma, a year of training or an apprenticeship
Industrial machinery mechanics typically need a high school diploma and usually a year or more of training; millwrights mostly go through an apprenticeship of about 4 years. Some take a 2-year associate degree in industrial maintenance. BLS names no license for this work.
For: Problem-solvers who like fixing machines, reading manuals and working with welding, hydraulics and electronics.
Route 1: Diploma, then a year or more of training Mechanics
Training may be given by trainers the employer hires or by equipment manufacturers' representatives.
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Start here
High school diploma or equivalent
GED or HiSETBLS
Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Optional
Associate degree in industrial maintenance
About 2 years: welding, mathematics, hydraulics and pneumatics.
BLS
Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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1+ year
On-the-job training
Setting up, cleaning, lubricating and starting machinery; shop math, blueprints, welding, electronics and computer programming.
BLS
Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Goal
Industrial machinery mechanic
BLS
Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Route 2: Registered Apprenticeship Millwrights, and some mechanics
Employers, local unions, contractor associations and the state labor department sponsor programs. Basic qualifications: at least 18, a high school diploma, physically able to do the work.
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Start here
Age 18 + high school diploma
BLS
Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Find a program
A Registered Apprenticeship
Validated by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency.
USDOL
What is a Registered Apprenticeship Program?U.S. Department of Labor (Apprenticeship.gov)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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3–4 years
Millwright (RAPIDS 0335) or Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (RAPIDS 0308)
Millwright: time-based 8,000 hours (newer version 7,328). Industrial Maintenance Mechanic: 6,000 hours (time-based).
USDOL
Approved occupations for Registered Apprenticeship (spreadsheet: RAPIDS code, type, minimum term)U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship (Apprenticeship.gov)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Linked from apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-occupations. Term lengths are hours of on-the-job learning; time-based programs list one figure, hybrid programs a range.
View source -
Each year
144 hours of instruction + up to 2,000 hours paid
BLS
Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Goal
Millwright
Fully qualified; can usually work with less guidance.
BLS
Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
State rules
BLS names no state license for industrial machinery mechanics or millwrights; requirements come from the employer and the apprenticeship. BLS
View source
Where to go next
Every trade on one matrix: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and the tools of the trade.