Maintenance Technician

Maintenance Technicians are responsible for the upkeep and repair of machinery, equipment, and facilities. They work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, construction, and transportation. Maintenance Technicians typically have a high school diploma or equivalent, and many also have post-secondary training in a related field. They must be able to read and understand technical manuals, and they must be able to use a variety of tools and equipment. Maintenance Technicians typically work full-time, and they may work overtime or on weekends to meet deadlines.

Job Duties

Maintenance Technicians typically perform the following duties:

• Inspect machinery, equipment, and facilities to identify potential problems
• Repair or replace damaged or worn parts
• Lubricate and adjust machinery and equipment
• Install new machinery and equipment
• Perform preventive maintenance
• Troubleshoot and solve problems

Maintenance Technicians may also be responsible for the following:

• Developing and implementing maintenance plans
• Training other employees on maintenance procedures
• Ordering and inventorying supplies
• Keeping records of maintenance activities

Advancement Opportunities

Maintenance Technicians can advance to positions such as Maintenance Supervisor, Maintenance Manager, or Plant Engineer. With additional training, they may also be able to move into other fields, such as engineering or management.

Challenges

Maintenance Technicians may face the following challenges:

• Working in hazardous conditions
• Working in confined spaces
• Working with heavy machinery
• Dealing with emergencies

Education and Training

Maintenance Technicians typically have a high school diploma or equivalent, and many also have post-secondary training in a related field. Common post-secondary programs include associate’s degrees in maintenance technology, industrial engineering, or mechanical engineering. Maintenance Technicians may also complete apprenticeships or on-the-job training programs.

Personal Qualities

Successful Maintenance Technicians typically have the following personal qualities:

• Attention to detail
• Mechanical aptitude
• Problem-solving skills
• Communication skills
• Teamwork skills

Projects

Maintenance Technicians may work on a variety of projects, including:

• Installing new machinery
• Repairing or replacing damaged equipment
• Performing preventive maintenance
• Developing and implementing maintenance plans
• Troubleshooting and solving problems

Personal Growth

Maintenance Technicians can experience personal growth in the following areas:

• Technical skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Communication skills
• Teamwork skills

Self-Guided Projects

Students can complete the following self-guided projects to better prepare themselves for a career as a Maintenance Technician:

• Build a small project, such as a birdhouse or a bookshelf.
• Volunteer to help with maintenance tasks at a local community center or park.
• Take an online course in a related field, such as maintenance technology or industrial engineering.

Online Courses

Online courses can be a helpful way to learn about the skills and knowledge required for a career as a Maintenance Technician. Online courses can provide students with the opportunity to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. They can also be a more affordable option than traditional college courses.

Many online courses are available in the field of maintenance technology. These courses can cover a variety of topics, including:

• Basic maintenance concepts
• Electrical maintenance
• Mechanical maintenance
• Preventive maintenance
• Troubleshooting and repair

Online courses can be a helpful way to prepare for a career as a Maintenance Technician. However, they are not a substitute for hands-on experience. Students who are interested in a career as a Maintenance Technician should also consider completing an apprenticeship or on-the-job training program.