Education and training requirements for Industrial machinery installation, repair, and maintenance workersMachinery maintenance workers typically receive short-term on-the-job training in order to perform routine tasks, such as setting up, cleaning, lubricating, and starting machinery. This training may be offered by experienced workers, professional trainers, or product representatives. Industrial machinery mechanics, on the other hand, often learn their trade through 4-year apprenticeship programs that combine classroom instruction with on-the-job-training. These programs usually are sponsored by a local trade union. Other mechanics start as helpers and learn the skills of the trade informally or by taking courses offered by machinery manufacturers and community colleges. Mechanics learn from experienced repairers how to operate, disassemble, repair, and assemble machinery. Classroom instruction focuses on subjects such as shop mathematics, blueprint reading, welding, electronics, and computer training. Employers prefer to hire those who have completed high school or technical college and have taken courses in mechanical drawing, mathematics, blueprint reading, computers, and electronics. Mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity are important characteristics for workers in this trade. Good physical conditioning and agility also are necessary because repairers sometimes have to lift heavy objects or climb to reach equipment. Opportunities for advancement are limited. Machinery maintenance workers may gain additional skills to make more complex repairs to machinery or work as supervisors. Industrial machinery mechanics also may advance either by working with more complicated equipment or by becoming supervisors. The most highly skilled repairers can be promoted to master mechanic or can become machinists, millwrights, or tool and die makers. More information on Industrial machinery installation, repair, and maintenance workers from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Industrial machinery installation, repair, and maintenance workers occupation Number of Industrial machinery installation, repair, and maintenance workers in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Industrial machinery installation, repair, and maintenance workers Working conditions for Industrial machinery installation, repair, and maintenance workers Significant points for Industrial machinery installation, repair, and maintenance workers Training requirements for Industrial machinery installation, repair, and maintenance workers Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |