The job of a maintenance craftsman is varied and each of them requires different a skill-set. They can be primarily divided as:
• Maintenance Workers
• Machinery Mechanics
• Industry Machinery Mechanics
The basic task is performed by a maintenance worker. It includes keeping the machines cleaned and greased, monitoring performance, and testing the ones with problems to figure out if they will require major repairs. To do all these they have knowledge of machine specifications and keep to the maintenance schedules. Maintenance workers may perform minor repairs.
A machinery mechanic is responsible for all major repairs. Industrial machinery mechanics are highly dexterous workers who are mainly employed in a factory. They are responsible for preventive maintenance, repairing, and installation. They have a thorough understanding of the machines and manuals and can detect a problem and its cause. When needed they disassemble something and mend or change the necessary parts. He also possesses electronic and computer skills as well to repair devices with digitized support.
The academic requirements for an aspirant in the field of maintenance craftsman are not much. A plain graduation degree will suffice. Completion of high school or technical school is always an edge. A good understanding of subjects like mechanical drawing, mathematics, blueprint reading, computers, and electronics is desirable. Reading skills are also mandatory for grasping the technical manuals. The job of a maintenance craftsman demands a good deal of physical fitness as it tests your strength and abilities for prolonged standing, stooping, walking, lifting heavy loads, and many more.
As for acquiring the skill goes, the machine mechanics generally receive training during the job for the basic work like setting up and starting a machine, cleaning and oiling them for an experienced worker or professional trainer.
The industrial machinery mechanics that need to be more specialized in their area have to undergo a 4-year apprenticeship program that combines classroom coaching with practical training. Classroom instruction generally comprises subjects such as shop mathematics, blueprint reading, welding, electronics, and computer training.
Industrial machinery mechanics should know to use all of the relevant tools. He has to sketch machine parts when replacements of damaged parts are not readily available, that will be restored by the factory's machine shop. However, industry mechanics often keep catalogs handy to order replacement parts.
Experience in this field is always very important for advancement. The more skill you acquire by complex repairs the more the chances of advancement. A good number of promotions can make you a master mechanic or a millwright.
Employment of industrial machinery mechanics and maintenance workers will grow in the days to come. More vacancies will be created in the future to replace those who switch occupations or retire. With the advancement of technology more factories will get intensely mechanized. This will create a requirement for workers to ensure that these machines are in operation without fail. They will be needed in every industry starting from manufacturing industries to government agencies. Studies found that there were 1.4 million jobs as a maintenance craftsman in 2006. Job scopes will mostly grow in maintenance or related fields.
An industry machinery mechanic is paid on an hourly basis generally. The earnings are about $18.78 on an average. However the very skilled ones can earn more than $27.59 per hour. The earnings will vary by industry and location.
The services of a maintenance craftsman whether it is in the industry or household are indispensable. However, surveys show that there are not enough people who have the necessary skills required to provide quality services as a maintenance craftsman. The job requires a great determination as well as undeterred strength that stops many from applying for this calling.
