Industrial Maintenance: Career Spotlight

People in this position keep machines running properly. The position usually requires an advanced technical education.

A person who is specializes in industrial maintenance makes sure that equipment in a business is running properly. There are technical colleges that specialize in the training for this career, and people can take classes online or in person. Online classes usually have a hands-on component on-site. The person repairs machines in commercial businesses, working in mills, hospitals and in commercial plants.
The person must have knowledge in welding, blueprints, and electrical systems. They must also be able to perform applicable tests to determine the reason behind system breakdowns. The technicians have at least a basic sense of how machines work overall, and they usually have an expertise in fixing specific machines. Even workers who get some of their training on the job, must have a basic high school education and usually have advanced technical training. Some companies offer apprenticeship programs for new employees. They must be skilled at noticing even the smallest problems because these can become larger issues that can cost companies money or the safety of employees. In addition to correcting problems, the industrial maintenance worker, must also keep the machines clean and well lubricated. Although they often have innate experience with components of the machinery, they may sometimes refer to information in manuals for specifics. They must be able to apply what they have read to the machines that they maintain or repair. The machines can include those that are used in animal processing, plastics, pulp, paper, motor vehicles, oil, gas, coal products, or a number of other industries. Most of the workers are in a commercial industry that does not include the automotive or electronic repair industries, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLC) reports. The BLC also reports that people who are in the paper industries or pipeline transportation industries earn the most in this occupation. The salary amounts may also vary according to the regions in which the people work.

Consequently, workers must know how to perform tests to make sure that the equipment is working as designed. Sometimes the equipment must be replaced or sent to another facility for repair. The technician must be able to determine the best course of action depending on the problem.

Most jobs are located in Texas, California, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Florida. Dalton, Georgia has one of the highest concentrations of jobs in this field, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The industrial maintenance professional must have the strength necessary to lift heavy parts. They must also take safety into consideration. They are cognizant of schedules to keep equipment well-maintained. Furthermore, they should be able to work in unusual spaces and in unusual positions to reach the equipment and parts. Workers are at risk to getting cuts and bruises, especially when working on equipment without the proper safety gear. Many jobs mandate that they wear special shoes with reinforced toes and hardhats.

In addition to the industrial maintenance field, workers also install parts, work as electricians on the equipment or specialize in performing repairs for the equipment. Some workers also use the equipment to perform various jobs according to the equipments' functions.

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