Maintenance Technician
What is a maintenance technician?
A maintenance technician is someone who is responsible for the repair and upkeep of machinery, equipment, or facilities.
What does a maintenance technician do?
Usually, a maintenance technician does the following:
- Inspects and troubleshoots machinery or equipment to identify issues or malfunctions
- Performs regular maintenance tasks such as cleaning, lubricating, and adjusting equipment
- Repairs or replaces defective parts or components
- Keeps detailed records of maintenance activities and reports any major issues to supervisors.
What does the day-to-day life of a maintenance technician look like?
A maintenance technician usually works 8-hour shifts, though this may vary depending on the industry you work in. You may be required to be on-call or work weekends in case of emergencies.
During the day, you will:
- Perform routine maintenance tasks, such as checking equipment for proper functioning and making adjustments as necessary
- Respond to maintenance requests or equipment breakdowns and troubleshoot the issues
- Carry out repairs or replace faulty parts using tools or technical manuals
- Keep track of maintenance activities and fill out reports for documentation purposes.
Where does a maintenance technician work?
Maintenance technicians can work in various industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, and facilities management. Some examples of places where you might find employment include:
- Manufacturing plants
- Hospitals or healthcare facilities
- Hotels or resorts
- Office buildings
- Schools or universities.
What tools/software/hardware does a maintenance technician use?
A maintenance technician uses a variety of tools and equipment depending on the nature of the job. Some common tools include:
- Screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers for basic repairs
- Multimeters or test instruments to measure electrical signals
- Power tools such as drills and saws for more complex repairs
- Computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) to track maintenance schedules and work orders.
What do I need to become a maintenance technician?
There are a number of ways you can become a maintenance technician, including:
- Vocational training: Completing a vocational training program in maintenance or a related field can provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge. These programs are often offered by technical schools or community colleges.
- Apprenticeship: You can also become a maintenance technician by completing an apprenticeship program. This involves working under the guidance of experienced technicians while receiving on-the-job training.
- Experience: Some employers may hire maintenance technicians based on their prior experience in similar roles, even without formal education or training.
What career paths are available?
There are several career paths available to you as a maintenance technician, including:
- Lead Maintenance Technician: With experience, you can take on a leadership role where you oversee a team of maintenance technicians and coordinate maintenance activities.
- Facilities Manager: You can progress into a facilities management role, where you are responsible for the overall maintenance and operations of a facility or building.
- Specialized Technician: Additionally, you could specialize in a specific area such as HVAC systems, electrical maintenance, or industrial machinery.
What jobs are similar to a maintenance technician?
- Facilities Technician: Similar to a maintenance technician but with a focus on managing the overall facility operations.
- Field Service Technician: Travels to different locations to install, repair, and maintain equipment or systems.
- Industrial Electrician: Specializes in electrical maintenance and repair in industrial settings.
What made you want to become a maintenance technician?
How did you get your first maintenance technician job?
What was the one thing that surprised you the most about being a maintenance technician?
Are you a maintenance technician? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers as maintenance technicians. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.