4 answers
Alexandria
Student
Greensboro, North Carolina
9
Questions
Updated
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What are some major challenges when working in the maintenance industry?
#maintenance #facilities
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4 answers
Grant Bergman
Technical procedure writer and maintenance planner
3
Answers
Watertown, Wisconsin
Updated
Grant’s Answer
The maintenance industry can be tough, but it is worth it.
When coming out of the US Navy, I had a good background in aviation maintenance and was able to take those skills and focus them into manufacturing.
When I am hiring new maintenance technicians, I hear about the good and the bad of our field.
Some of the major things to consider when looking for a maintenance role:
1. What do you want to work one?
a. Equipment
b. Facilities
c. Controls / Electronics
d. Electrical
These are just a few examples as our field has endless opportunities
2. What is your long-term goal?
a. Planning
b. Management
c. technical writing
d. engineering
e. Becoming a subject matter expert on a specific topic.
Some of the best seasoned technicians i have worked with have been more than qualified to start planning or become management. Some decide to hyper focus their skills on one specific piece of equipment or task in the plant. Others become technicians for manufacturers of equipment. These professionals spend most of their time traveling to different companies that use their machines. These roles can be extremely rewarding as far as pay goes.
I hope this helps!
When coming out of the US Navy, I had a good background in aviation maintenance and was able to take those skills and focus them into manufacturing.
When I am hiring new maintenance technicians, I hear about the good and the bad of our field.
Some of the major things to consider when looking for a maintenance role:
1. What do you want to work one?
a. Equipment
b. Facilities
c. Controls / Electronics
d. Electrical
These are just a few examples as our field has endless opportunities
2. What is your long-term goal?
a. Planning
b. Management
c. technical writing
d. engineering
e. Becoming a subject matter expert on a specific topic.
Some of the best seasoned technicians i have worked with have been more than qualified to start planning or become management. Some decide to hyper focus their skills on one specific piece of equipment or task in the plant. Others become technicians for manufacturers of equipment. These professionals spend most of their time traveling to different companies that use their machines. These roles can be extremely rewarding as far as pay goes.
I hope this helps!
Almendra Gonzalez
Industrial engineering
2
Answers
Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico
Updated
Almendra’s Answer
Hello! The exciting part is that the world is continuously changing, which means you'll be racing against the clock when implementing new equipment or processes. Always stay alert to upcoming trends and factor in these changes when planning your implementation timeline. It's a thrilling journey, so embrace it!
Ray Koch
Mechanical Reliability Engineer
32
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Ray’s Answer
Some of the biggest challenges of working in maintenance are related to maintenance culture. Many companies continue to have reactive maintenance cultures, where the emphasis is on fixing equipment after it breaks down as quickly as possible, rather then proactive maintenance strategies, where the emphasis is on detecting and preventing failures before they happen through robust maintenance strategies. Moving a company from a reactive to proactive maintenance culture can be difficult and frustrating, but at the same time, can be very rewarding.
Tonya Stafford
Healthcare Manager
12
Answers
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI
Updated
Tonya’s Answer
Hi Alexandria,
Maintenance may seem like an easy pathway for employment. Every place need assistance with maintenance, so you will always have a job. The issue is the wages are low to start and the work can be challenging. I would suggest you start with a business complex or office setting to learn your trade. Then move to self-employment where you are obtaining contracts for maintenance. As the owner you will see more revenue than those that actually do the work. Hope this helps!
Maintenance may seem like an easy pathway for employment. Every place need assistance with maintenance, so you will always have a job. The issue is the wages are low to start and the work can be challenging. I would suggest you start with a business complex or office setting to learn your trade. Then move to self-employment where you are obtaining contracts for maintenance. As the owner you will see more revenue than those that actually do the work. Hope this helps!