Millwrights have been around since the 12^th Century. In the United States, there is clearly a skills gap in our country due to decades-long push for young adults to seek only college education instead of skilled trades. The outcome, unfortunately, is a current lack of skills, knowledge, abilities and experience to provide hand’s-on service to the industries that keep our country running. The growing need for Millwrights is referenced in the Occupational Outlook Handbook, showing an anticipated 13% growth factor for these classifications.[1]

The American Federation of Labor (AFL) was founded in 1886 and comprised of unions of skilled workers and national trade or craft unions; Millwrights were part of this movement. Unfortunately, during the 20^th century, craft unions lost ground to industrial unions.[2] Industrial unionism also resulted in plants hiring in-house and subcontracted personnel. These are “multi-craft” employees hired at a much lower cost, which may look good as far as economic aesthetics but, ultimately, companies end up with employees or contractors who are not experts in any given area of plant maintenance and repair.

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics notes the Median pay for a Millwright in 2020 was $26.40 per hour. While this may be a national average, locally, unionized Millwrights in our Tri-State region average $41.00 to $43.50 per hour.

This loss of skill is apparent in the day-to-day operations at plants everywhere: whether companies are providing in-house plant personnel or sub-contracted personnel.

Alpha to Omega can offer the expertise and skill level that was only taught, learned and put into practice under the tutelage of the trade unionism environment for a combination of 46 years,

Alpha to Omega’s, Co-Owner, Michael A. Piemontese, began his career as a craft union Millwright serving a 4-year apprenticeship to obtain a state certified journeyman Millwright certification.

Our company stance is neither pro-union, nor anti-union. The above information is only given to substantiate the decline in skill level for this occupation, and how Alpha to Omega is different. We do, however, strongly believe in the value of Union-taught Craftsmanship.

Alpha to Omega will bridge the gap for the ever-growing need for the level of Millwright craftmanship that once was – and should be again – the status quo.