How to become An Elevator Mechanic

• Elevator Adjuster
• Elevator Constructor
• Elevator Mechanic
• Elevator Repair and Maintenance Technician
• Elevator Service Mechanic
• Elevator Service Technician
• Elevator Serviceman
• Elevator Technician
• Elevator Troubleshooter
• Lift Engineer
• Lift Technicians

What do Elevator Mechanics do?

An Elevator Mechanic would typically need to:

• Assemble, install, maintain, repair and replace freight and passenger elevators, escalators, moving walkways and dumbwaiters
• Carry out routine inspections of electrical equipment, gears, hydraulics, drive systems, motors, overload detection devices, brakes, doors and locks
• Read and interpret blueprints to determine the layout of system components and select the equipment needed for installation or repair
• Detect defects and carry out minor repairs; make recommendations and arrangements to fix more complicated repairs
• Respond to out-of-hours emergency breakdown call-outs; carry out repairs or isolate problems until a more comprehensive service is done
• Commission and fit-out elevators, elevator gear, elevator wells and ancillary equipment; oil and grease moving parts
• Test newly installed equipment with meters and gauges to ensure it meets specifications and demonstrate its operation to clients
• Inspect and assess existing lift equipment to ensure compliance with current health and safety legislation, directives and building codes
• Recommend modifications or new installations, if necessary; produce appropriate job quotes
• Use hoists, ladders and hand/power tools to dismantle elevators and remove or replace defective parts; make sure equipment is clean
• Replace or upgrade elevator interiors such as flooring, panel displays, communication systems, buttons, lighting and finish
• Update all written and computerised work records; analyse call-out patterns to identify and isolate defects and anticipate future issues
• Produce inspection and risk assessment reports and other relevant documentation for insurance and legal purposes

The working conditions of Elevator Mechanics depend on the type of building housing the lift equipment. The work is typically indoors in large cities, where multi-story buildings are standard. You may work at heights in elevator shafts. 

Older systems may include cramped spaces in addition to the usual oil, grease, dirt and heat or cold. Although installation and significant repairs require teamwork, you will often work alone when fixing minor issues. 

Daily travel to various client locations is expected. Elevator Mechanics wear protective equipment such as hardhats, harnesses and safety glasses to reduce the risk of injury.

Most Elevator Mechanics work full-time, around 40 hours/week. Overtime is common, and most professionals work on a call-out rota 24/7/365 to make emergency repairs or meet construction deadlines. 

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Elevator Mechanics can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Elevator Mechanics are generally employed by:

• Elevator Manufacturers
• Elevator Installation & Maintenance Companies
• Specialist Elevator Maintenance Companies
• Building Services Companies
• Local Authorities
• Hospitals
• Educational Institutions
• Mega Businesses
• Hotels
• High-Rise Apartment Buildings
• Tall Condominiums & Resort Buildings

Professional associations and organisations, such as The National Associaton of Elevator Safety Authorities International, are crucial for Elevator Mechanics interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications. Elevator Mechanics usually belong to a local/national union. 

• Injuries from falls, burns from electric shocks and muscle strains from lifting and carrying heavy equipment
• Exhaustion due to physically demanding work which requires sitting or standing for extended periods
• Working in cramped, dusty, dirty, greasy areas inside crawl spaces and machine rooms in extreme temperatures
• Likely to work at heights in elevator shafts

A two- to four-year apprenticeship program sponsored by a union, industry association or employer is the first step towards a career as an Elevator Mechanic. Ideally, the apprentice completes a judicious mix of technical instruction and paid on-the-job training.

Trainees get to learn about safety, blueprint reading, mathematics, applied physics, elevator and escalator parts, electrical and digital theory and electronics. Candidates with documented relevant experience and the ability to prove their skills may qualify for a shorter apprenticeship.

Most college programs designed especially for aspiring Elevator Mechanics will accept applicants’ apprenticeship credits towards their associate degree. In addition, the average employer prefers candidates who are union members. Requirements to join a union generally include completing an approved apprenticeship program and passing a standardised elevator industry educational program.

An intermediate apprenticeship for a stairlift, platform/elevator lift, service lift/elevator electromechanics or a lift/elevator and escalator mechanic advanced apprenticeship will also serve the purpose. 

The prerequisites may vary across locations, but in general, applicants should be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma, be physically fit to undertake the apprenticeship and pass basic math, reading and mechanical aptitude tests.  

Take note that work experience in electrical, electro-mechanical or building services engineering will allow candidates with relevant qualifications to apply directly to employers. Many Elevator Mechanics have previous career experience as maintenance technicians or electricians.

Read about the profession and interview/job shadow experts working in elevator installation and maintenance to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers. 

A high school diploma or GED (General Educational Development) is the most common academic qualification among Elevator Mechanics. However, a few have an associate degree in electronics engineering technology from a community college or vocational school. 

Some colleges offer diplomas in maintenance engineering technology or building services engineering and a higher national certificate in lift engineering that may help you stand out amongst your peers in the job market. 

Employers prefer applicants who are fully aware of the statutory requirements and industry guidelines regarding health and safety and inspections. Adequate computer literacy to ensure accurate writing and maintenance of records and reports is beneficial. You may need to pass a standardised elevator industry educational program examination if your job requires you to be a union member. 

High school classes in math, mechanical drawing, computer studies and physics prove helpful. 

In general, certification is not mandatory but is recommended as proof of competence and proficiency. Government-approved qualifications such as Certified Elevator Technician (CET), Certified Accessibility and Private Residence Lift Technicians (CAT), Qualified Elevator Inspectors are available online. Prerequisites range from education to proof of training and prior experience to an actual examination.

Such certifications can help you stand out in a competitive job market, increase your chances of advancement, and allow you to become an independent consultant.

Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

On the other hand, Elevator Mechanics must obtain a license to perform their duties. Typically, licensure requires an application, processing fees, an examination, and relevant education and experience. Apprentices who complete their training usually qualify for a license. Check-in with local or national organisations representing the elevator industry to confirm whether you will need licensure. 

You may also require a valid driving license.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Elevator Mechanics in both public and private sectors. You could move into supervisory management, technical sales or engineering design roles. 

Your hard-earned skills can prove handy in other industries such as manufacturing, engineering construction or safety inspection, either as a full-time employee or freelance contractor.

Depending on the area of specialisation, your career growth may be punctuated by titles such as Foreman, Superintendent, Mechanic-In-Charge, Adjuster, Supervisor or Elevator Inspector.

Candidates with postsecondary education in electronics and desirable work experience will have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Elevator Mechanic build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. 

Take advantage of company-sponsored academic programs to upskill yourself. Technology will continue to change; make sure to stay abreast of the current systems. CPD will also help with the regular renewal of desirable certifications and licenses.

Which Would You Choose?

Elevator Mechanics work with a wide range of elevators, including passenger, goods and service elevators found in offices, hotels, railways stations and airports. Loading platforms and scissor elevators are used to load/unload and move materials, machinery and products around a factory floor, storage depot or port.

Stairlifts facilitate mobility around the house and access to building entrances. Vehicle-mounted elevators are used in personal and commercial transport. Carers use ceiling track hoists to aid patient mobility in residences, nursing homes and health care centres.

Dumb waiters help transfer food in hotels and restaurants, while escalators are common in shopping centres, transport terminals and offices. Panoramic elevators with glass panels are often found in an atrium or on the outside of a building.

The Current Scenario

The career outlook of Elevator Mechanics can only go up, particularly in large cities where building out is not a viable option despite the increasing number of people relocating to urban areas. 

The growing incidence of high-rise condominiums, office buildings and stores that have elevators and escalators works in favour of these professionals and the amount of work they can get. 

In addition, the need to regularly maintain, update and repair old equipment, provide access to the disabled and install state-of-the-art equipment and controls will continue to keep Elevator Mechanics in demand.

Elevators are statistically the safest way to travel. They are twenty times safer than escalators.

The job is by no means one that will get you fame or recognition; however, when you consider that accomplished Elelvator Mechanics make it possible for the sick, the disabled, the exhausted and the regular joes to achieve their goals and dreams, you will realise that this job makes a huge difference where it matters.

“You have to be ready to work with your hands. You should not be afraid of heights. When you’re on the top of an elevator, if you snooze, you’re done. You can lose a finger or a thumb. You have to be ready to do anything.”

Malcolm DaCosta, Quality Allied Elevator