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.
What is a Maintenance Technician?
A Maintenance Technician is a professional who has a strong understanding of machinery, plumbing and electrics to solve issues with different types of machinery within a building. To do this, you must use your knowledge to diagnose issues, evaluate how to fix the problem, and perform repairs promptly using your expertise to make sure the issue cannot recur. It is a Maintenance Technician’s job to perform routine maintenance and repairs to make sure no major problems occur with vital machinery. They are also expected to inspect tools and equipment to make sure they are of the correct standard for use.
Maintenance Technicians are essential to any industry that works with machinery. This can include factories and manufacturing, hospitality, and health and educational facilities, where proper maintenance will need to be performed on a regular basis, and in emergencies.
Since Maintenance Technicians are needed in all kinds of industries, there are many roles around the UK, some of which might be specialised, and will need specific qualifications to perform. You may be expected to work unconventional hours if there is an emergency or restricted access to certain machinery that you are responsible for.
How 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.
What to Put on a Maintenance Technician CV
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.
Similar Jobs to Maintenance Technician
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.
Other Jobs in Manufacturing
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.
Apply for Maintenance Technician Jobs Near You
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.
Maintenance Technician Job Description FAQ
Is a Maintenance Technician a Good Career Choice?
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.
What Skills Does a Maintenance Technician Need?
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.
What Are the Biggest Challenges of Being a Maintenance Technician?
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.
What Personal Qualities Make a Great Maintenance Technician?
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.
