Mechanical technician
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.
Power electrician & mechanical technician training programs
Ryan Canada explains our power electrician training program and mechanical technician training program.
Apprenticeship training program
This 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), Physics 40S, and English 40
OR
have an industrial mechanic (millwright) license issued by the Province of Manitoba (or equivalent provincial certification) and Grade 12 or equivalent, and be willing to participate in and successfully complete Math 40S (Applied or Pre-Calculus) and Physics 40S courses
OR
have a 2-year diploma in mechanical technology; - possess 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
Applications must include the following:
- 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.
Not qualified? Get paid to learn
If you don’t have these qualifications, 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.
Thank you for your interest in this program. 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 title Millwright Opportunities for consideration.
View current job postings – this is where you can 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. Register your online profile using the “Register Now” button below (if you do not have one 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. When setting up the job alert, select “trades”, and “mechanical technician” as your area of interest.
Apprenticeship program benefits
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 purchase 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 various 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), including 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 participate in job planning and tailboard meetings 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.