Engineering Maintenance Technician

Job Description:

Engineering maintenance technicians service and repair equipment in industries like manufacturing, production and transport.

Job Category:
Engineering & Construction
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What you will do:

As an engineering maintenance technician, you could:

  • organise routine servicing schedules and assign tasks
  • check and maintain instruments and machinery
  • fix breakdown faults and arrange for replacement equipment
  • complete reports and inform production managers of progress
  • do risk assessments and keep stock control records

Skills:

You’ll need:

  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • problem-solving skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

As well as:

  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail (organisational skills)
  • the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
  • physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations (leadership skills)
  • the ability to work on your own (drive)
Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

To become an Engineering Maintenance Technician, you should focus on building a strong foundation in mathematics, science, and practical skills during your high school years. Here are the typical subjects and considerations for aspiring Engineering Maintenance Technicians:

  1. Mathematics (Maths): Strong math skills are essential for maintenance technicians, as they often need to make calculations related to equipment repairs and troubleshooting.
  2. Science: A solid understanding of science, particularly physics and chemistry, can be beneficial for understanding the principles behind machinery and the materials used in maintenance.
  3. Design and Technology (D&T): D&T courses can provide practical skills and insights into engineering design, technical drawing, and manufacturing processes, which are relevant to maintenance work.
  4. Information and Communication Technology (ICT): Proficiency in using computers and digital tools can be beneficial for modern maintenance practices, including reading technical manuals and using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
  5. English: Good communication skills, including reading and writing, are important for understanding technical documents, writing maintenance reports, and collaborating with colleagues.

Post School

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You could do a foundation degree or higher national diploma in engineering before applying for a job as a trainee technician.

College

You could take a college course, which would teach you some of the skills needed for this job.

In the UK, for example, courses include:

  • Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
  • Certificate in Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology
  • Diploma in Equipment Maintenance Engineering
  • Diploma in Engineering
  • Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing
  • Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction

Apprenticeship

You could do an Engineering Technician Advanced Apprenticeship or a Building Services Maintenance Advanced Apprenticeship.

You could also do an apprenticeship in a specific industry.

You could do intermediate or advanced engineering apprenticeships in an industry like:

  • aviation
  • compressed air and vacuum manufacturing
  • lifting equipment
  • rail

Work

You could start as an engineering craftworker and train on the job to become an engineering maintenance technician.

Working Hours and Environment:

A typical week consists of 40-42 hours of work. You could be required to work evenings/weekends/bank holidays on shifts.

You could work in a factory, on a construction site or at a manufacturing plant. Your working environment may be noisy and outdoors some of the time. You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career Path & Progression:

With experience you could:

  • take a Lead Engineering Maintenance Technician Higher Apprenticeship to become a senior maintenance technician
  • do further training to qualify as an engineer in a specific field like mechanical, electrical or building services
  • move into technical sales, maintenance team management or contract management
  • become a further education teacher

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