Looking to develop your skills in the manufacturing industry? A Maintenance Technician uses their knowledge and understanding of machinery and technology to troubleshoot and solve issues that may arise with industrial machinery. This role provides stable work hours with the opportunity to travel to maintain machinery across the country. Let’s look at what it takes to become a Maintenance Technician.
To become a Maintenance Technician, you will need experience using and fixing machinery, as well as relevant qualifications in things such as mechanical engineering or electrical engineering. You might move into this role from other manufacturing roles where you have learned to properly maintain specific machinery to avoid minor issues.
A Maintenance Technician must have knowledge and understanding of machinery and how it works. Performing regular inspections, routine maintenance, and repairs will help you gain the necessary skills you’ll need to include in your CV. A Maintenance Technician will also be expected to have at least a level 2 certificate in some kind of engineering.
To gain the skills you need to progress into this role, you’ll need experience in similar jobs. This includes roles such as Manufacturing Technician, Engineer, Handyman, or Machine Operator. Each of these roles will include basic maintenance knowledge, health and safety protocols, and evaluation and problem-solving skills.
Manufacturing is an ever-expanding sector, with a wide range of jobs. These range from Factory Worker, Warehouse Operative, and Facilities Manager roles to more advanced, specialised roles such as Automation Technician, Electrical Technician, Maintenance Supervisor, and HVAC Technician. This makes manufacturing a good place to find a suitable role for your skillset and experience, with entry-level positions that require personal skills over qualifications. However, some roles will require qualifications that you can gain through educational facilities or apprenticeships. Other, less specialised roles rely on your personal abilities and aptitudes, and may require travel to different sites, and working out of regular hours.
Maintenance Technician roles are needed for many different sectors, which makes them readily available to those who have the necessary skills and qualifications. There are roles all over the UK for those with relevant experience, so it’s easy to find a Maintenance Technician role near you.
The market for Maintenance Technicians is fairly stable due to its demand across various industries, and it is a good career choice for those wishing to improve their knowledge and understanding of manufacturing, and who prefer a practical, hands-on role.
There are a few valued skills you’ll need to become a Maintenance Technician including equipment knowledge, an understanding of health and safety procedures, the ability to follow blueprints, and problem-solving skills.
There are some significant challenges that a Maintenance Technician might face, such as troubleshooting complex problems that they might not have dealt with before and knowing how to manage proactive and reactive maintenance.
A great Maintenance Technician should have great attention to detail and time management, strong communication and teamwork skills, and the ability to work under pressure.
