Mechanical technicians install, inspect, and commission the mechanical maintenance of breakers, transformers, refrigeration, air conditioning, heating systems, HVDC equipment, and equipment such as compressors, cranes, pumps, motors, and fans. They also service equipment and controls used to generate, convert, regulate, and control electrical energy in a power system.
Become a Mechanical Technician.
You were meant for this. You were meant for the north.
Apprenticeship training program
Our 4-year fully paid apprenticeship includes competency-based technical training at our Northern Training Centre in Gillam, formal classes at University College of the North in The Pas, and on-the-job training. During your paid training, you will be rotated to different work locations. After you complete your training, complete your industrial mechanic (millwright) journeyperson’s certification, and successfully pass all testing and evaluation, you will receive a mechanical technician certification.
Apprentices make an hourly rate between $22.34 and $30.90. A journeyperson makes an hourly rate between $38.07 and $45.37.
Qualifications
All of the following qualifications are required for the apprenticeship program. You must:
- be a high school graduate with Mathematics 40S (Applied or Pre-Calculus), and English 40, with the willingness to take part in, and successfully complete Physics 40S within a specified amount of time, if required;
OR
Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) License issued by the Province of Manitoba (or equivalent provincial certification) and Grade 12 or equivalent, with the willingness to take part in, and successfully complete, Applied or Pre-calculus Math 40S and Physics 40S within a specified amount of time, if required;
OR
have a two-year diploma in Mechanical Technology; - have and maintain a valid Manitoba Class 5 driver’s licence (intermediate or full);
- work at heights and in confined spaces, have good mechanical aptitude, physical coordination, manual dexterity, and be able to lift heavy objects from a variety of physical positions.
If selected for skills assessment, we test that you have the physical strength, dexterity, and endurance requirements. Prepare for the physical demands of the job – read our Physical Training Guide for Skills Assessment & Trades Orientation (PDF, 4.4 MB).
How to apply
Your application must include:
- current resumé and cover letter;
- high school transcripts1, and any post-secondary school transcripts or training certificates.
If selected, you will write standardized aptitude tests to assess how well your abilities match the job’s requirements. If selected for the next step, you will participate in a 1-day pre-employment skills assessment and trade orientation session to demonstrate your job-related skills. A current driver’s abstract must be provided at this time.
Note: Register on a desktop computer or laptop – the application will not work on your mobile device.
Get paid to learn
If you aren’t qualified, you may be eligible for a pre-placement training program to help you upgrade your education and provide trades-related experience.
- Women’s power electrician/mechanical technician pre-placement;
- Indigenous power electrician/mechanical technician pre-placement.
We typically recruit annually in November, but recruitment dates are subject to change. If you have an Industrial Mechanic (millwright) Licence issued by the Province of Manitoba (or equivalent provincial certification), we may have opportunities outside of this recruitment period. Please email your resume to employment@hydro.mb.ca with the subject line: Millwright Opportunities for consideration.
View current job postings – to check if the role is posted. If it is not posted, set up a job alert to notify you when the application period is open. Use the “Register Now” button to set up your online registration (if you don't have one already set up). Your online profile is not an application. Once you have registered, you must submit an application for the job during the recruitment period.
View instructions for creating a profile and setting up job alerts. Set up the job alert, select “trades” and “mechanical technician” as your area of interest.
Benefits of the apprenticeship program
In this training program, you will not accumulate any student or trainee debt. We pay you a bi-weekly salary during the 4-year trade schooling, formal classes, and on-the-job training. You will belong to a union and have a collective agreement.
You must buy your own set of tools, but we offer a payroll deduction option to help spread out the cost. If your tools break on the job, we replace them at our expense.
While in the program, you will receive training at different generating and converter stations throughout Manitoba. Trainee rotations are generally 12 months. If working away from home, we pay for accommodations, meals, and mileage.
Safety
Safety remains our top priority in everything we do.
You will receive all necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), that you need, such as clothing, eyewear, and hardhats, and learn how to use and care for your PPE.
You will receive safety training and learn safe work procedures. Before each job, crews plan jobs and meet to discuss the best and safest way to do the work. You also have the right to refuse a task you believe to be unsafe.
1 Manitoba Statement of High School Marks (transcripts) is an official provincial record of your high school marks and credits earned.