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If you like to figure out how things work, consider a career as a maintenance tech. You’ll be part of a maintenance team, working with electrical systems on scheduled and preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, installing equipment and performing emergency repairs. Evolving technology and automation means you’ll continually learn and gain skills.

  • Earn over $28.53 an hour as an established Maintenance Mechanic or Millwright.
  • Over 10,000 hours of blended on-the-job and classroom training provides a solid foundation for your mechanic or millwright career.
  • Begin a rewarding career with no student debt – in fact, you’ll get paid to attend classes!
  • Your flexible, hands-on career could involve pipefitting, boiler maintenance, insulating, welding, machining, carpentry and more.

Qualifications

You must be in good physical condition, at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or equivalent.

Get started as a Maintenance Mechanic or Millwright Apprentice

  1. You need to be in an apprenticeship program with your employer and should apply directly to employers, if you are not employed as an apprentice.  
    1. Gateway’s Career and Employment Services team can provide assistance.
    2. Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development (DWD) also offers employment information for prospective apprentices.
  2. If an employer wishes to hire you, they will submit an apprentice application to Wisconsin’s DWD. You will be given a credential notice if the DWD determines that you meet the Bureau of Apprentice Standards qualifications.
  3. You and your employer will submit the credential notice, the Apprentice Application (Form #1488) and the fee ($10.00) to the Department of Safety and Professional Services, P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI 53708-8935.
  4. The Department of Safety and Professional Services will issue the apprentice permit after the application is approved. You may begin to work after your permit is issued. Your permit will be valid for three (3) years.
  5. Once your permit is in place, Gateway’s Apprenticeship department will communicate with you regarding registration, classes and books. 

Curriculum Sheet:
pdf icon  50-464-1 Maintenance Technician Apprentice Curriculum Sheet 2023-2024.pdf

Career Pathway Map:
pdf icon  Maintenance Technician Apprentice Career Pathway Map.pdf