How to become A Maintenance Worker

Residential and commercial properties need regular upkeep to keep them in prime condition; it falls to the lot of Maintenance Workers with a broad range of craftsmanship and practical skills to carry out necessary repairs or general maintenance.

• Building Maintenance Worker 
• General Maintenance Worker
• Maintenance Technician
• Building Maintenance Technician
• Repair Worker
• Handyman

What do Maintenance Workers do?

A Maintenance Worker would typically need to:

• Evaluate, maintain and repair building systems (electrical, HVAC, elevators and plumbing), infrastructure (windows, doors, walls and roof) and groundskeeping systems
• Follow a set schedule to ensure the maintenance of the entire building or set of structures they are responsible for
• Dust and mop general areas regularly; perform minor fixes such as repairing broken locks and filling gaps in walls
• Check control panels and electrical wiring to identify and fix issues such as faulty electrical switches, outlets and circuit breakers
• Check the functionality of safety systems, including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; complete safety checks on systems and equipment 
• Maintain detailed records to document all repair, inspection and maintenance activities undertaken
• Collaborate with workers and other professionals during renovations; plan repair work using blueprints or diagrams
• Recognise potential problems or repairs out of their scope of expertise; contact facilities or maintenance manager to resolve the issues
• Set up repair appointments with mechanics or electricians when required
• Inspect the building structures and conduct general maintenance, including lawn mowing, trash collection, window washing, pest control and lawn maintenance
• Clear gutters, maintain the footpaths and paint/decorate/maintain property exterior through different seasons
• Troubleshoot or repair machines, mechanical equipment and fundamental electrical/heating/cooling problems; change filters on air conditioning systems
• Set up and assemble new appliances, furniture or equipment; order proper supplies or spare parts to maintain or repair equipment
• Keep repair tools and supplies clean and organised; respond to and complete tenant or supervisor maintenance requests

Since Maintenance Workers are responsible for the appearance and functional upkeep of buildings, locations and offices, they usually work indoors and outdoors.

The work environment may depend on the employer, who may be restricted to a single building such as a hospital, business or hotel, in which case the Maintenance Worker works in one location. However, if the employer owns an apartment complex or college campus, you may have to travel across different work sites during the day. You may work alone or with a team of other Maintenance Workers.

Most Maintenance Workers work full-time, including evenings and weekends. Some are on call for emergency repairs. 

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

Maintenance Workers are generally employed by:

• Real Estate & Lending Agencies
• Apartment Complexes
• Manufacturing Companies
• Public & Private Academic Institutions
• Healthcare Organisations
• Social Assistance Agencies
• Hotels
• Shopping Plazas
• Commercial Stores & Offices

Professional associations and organisations, such as The Association Of Certified  Handyman Professionals, are crucial for Maintenance workers 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.

• The need to conduct essential repairs or maintenance in all sorts of weather conditions
• High probability of physical strain and exhaustion from standing for extended periods and lifting heavy objects
• The distinct possibility of working in uncomfortable or cramped positions or on ladders
• Physical stamina is a must to meet the job demands for significant walking, climbing stairs and reaching
• Injuries due to electrical shocks, falls and cuts are quite common

An apprenticeship under a skilled Maintenance Worker would be ideal. Assisting repair and construction workers such as carpenters and electricians will also help. You will gain experience in using hand and electrical tools, reading technical manuals and drawings and understanding how things work. 

Your knowledge of maintenance procedures and the structures or grounds to be maintained will increase. In addition, you will learn how to build your communication, interpersonal, troubleshooting and time management skills. 

You may begin with relatively simple tasks such as fixing leaking faucets and replacing light bulbs before progressing to overhauling machinery and building walls. 

Many Maintenance Workers have previous career experience in roles as diverse as a cashier, sales associate or warehouse worker.

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

Some Maintenance Workers have a bachelor’s degree, and a very small number have a master’s degree; however, the majority find a high school diploma or GED (General Education Development) is sufficient. 

What is most crucial is an excellent working knowledge of repair and maintenance tasks involving electricity, plumbing, heating and air conditioning systems along with painting and roofing jobs.

Most Maintenance Workers learn basic trade skills in high school shop/technical education classes, postsecondary trade/vocational schools or community colleges. Courses in mechanical drawing, electricity, drywall repair, plastering, plumbing, woodworking, blueprint reading, mathematics, computers, general maintenance and health and safety will come in handy. 

A two-year associate degree in building maintenance technology or facilities maintenance will help you stand out among your peers.

Voluntary certification in preventative maintenance for HVAC systems, facility management, maintenance and reliability, apartment maintenance and building systems maintenance from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market and allow you to become an independent consultant.

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

Maintenance Workers need specific licenses to perform more complex electrical, carpentry or plumbing tasks. Typically, licensure requires an application, processing fees and an examination on local codes. Check in with prospective employers to find whether you will need licensure.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. A Maintenance Worker with consistently high performance levels may be eligible eventually for promotion as Foreman before becoming Superintendent or Facilities Manager at a later stage. You could also become a Project Manager or open your own repair or contracting business once you have amassed adequate capital and contacts.

Candidates with experience in repair- or maintenance-related fields should have the best job prospects.

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

Most prefer to specialise and become proficient electricians, heating and air-conditioning mechanics or plumbers. You may need to acquire additional skills to advance to managerial posts. In addition, CPD will enable the regular renewal of valuable certifications.

Diverse Work Environments

Some employers have a maintenance department, including several workers handling the tasks on different shifts and reporting to a department foreman. Smaller companies employ one or two Maintenance Workers to address regular issues and contract more complex work to an outside service.

Handy Skills

Maintenance Workers who adhere to health and safety guidelines while resolving issues quickly and efficiently, who can collaborate with their colleagues, who are resourceful and motivated, physically fit and flexible and have excellent communication skills can be assured of an easy entry and smooth rise up their career ladder.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Maintenance Workers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Maintenance Worker has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Repairing structural damage costs almost four times more than the cost of routine building maintenance.

Maintenance Workers with a vigilant outlook and a keen eye for detail keep entire societies and countries going. It is a dynamic and demanding job with a surefire guarantee of immense job satisfaction. 

Be very clear about your prospective employer’s expectations during the negotiation process, as skill requirements and working conditions change from one job to the next.