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Would starting a career in Facility Maintenance be a better option than starting a career in Security?
I'm conflicted on whether I should start a career in Facility Maintenance as I work well with my hands and would like to fix things, but I'm also interested in Security, like being a TSA agent, TSO or just security in general as I would like to help protect people and I like physical activity.
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Carl’s Answer
Both careers are great. Both careers have opportunity for advancement. You can start your own job and be your own boss for both fields.
I work in maintenance and I will tell you personally, I appreciate being able to take my skills and apply them at home. I don't need to hire someone to fix my furnace. I can do that. I can wire a light or change a toilet without having to hire someone.
Both careers are stressful. You will succeed at whatever you put your mind to!
Good luck.
Watch a video on how to service an air conditioner on YouTube
I work in maintenance and I will tell you personally, I appreciate being able to take my skills and apply them at home. I don't need to hire someone to fix my furnace. I can do that. I can wire a light or change a toilet without having to hire someone.
Both careers are stressful. You will succeed at whatever you put your mind to!
Good luck.
Carl recommends the following next steps:
Thanks for your encouragement!
Drake
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Drake!
Carl hit the nail on the head—both careers are solid choices with room to grow. And let’s be honest, knowing how to fix your own furnace or change a toilet? That’s superhero-level adulting right there.
If you love working with your hands and get a weird sense of satisfaction from fixing things (no judgment, it’s a great skill), facility maintenance could be a great fit. Plus, there's always demand for skilled maintenance workers, and if you get really good, you could even start your own business. Imagine being your own boss—calling the shots, setting your rates, and never dealing with a broken AC for long.
On the flip side, security is all about staying alert, protecting people, and sometimes even a bit of action (depending on the job). If you like physical activity, thinking on your feet, and the idea of keeping people safe, this could be right up your alley. TSA, private security, law enforcement—it all depends on how deep you want to go.
Remember, You can't really go wrong here. Think about what excites you more: fixing things and making stuff work again, or being the person people rely on for safety and security. If both sound good, maybe look into security roles that require some technical know-how (like cybersecurity or high-tech surveillance).
Either way, you got this Drake, all the beat buddy!
Carl hit the nail on the head—both careers are solid choices with room to grow. And let’s be honest, knowing how to fix your own furnace or change a toilet? That’s superhero-level adulting right there.
If you love working with your hands and get a weird sense of satisfaction from fixing things (no judgment, it’s a great skill), facility maintenance could be a great fit. Plus, there's always demand for skilled maintenance workers, and if you get really good, you could even start your own business. Imagine being your own boss—calling the shots, setting your rates, and never dealing with a broken AC for long.
On the flip side, security is all about staying alert, protecting people, and sometimes even a bit of action (depending on the job). If you like physical activity, thinking on your feet, and the idea of keeping people safe, this could be right up your alley. TSA, private security, law enforcement—it all depends on how deep you want to go.
Remember, You can't really go wrong here. Think about what excites you more: fixing things and making stuff work again, or being the person people rely on for safety and security. If both sound good, maybe look into security roles that require some technical know-how (like cybersecurity or high-tech surveillance).
Either way, you got this Drake, all the beat buddy!
TONY MOUALLEM
Construction Management and Building Design Consultant
1
Answer
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TONY’s Answer
Yes, for sure, facility maintenance is a solid job, and it opens up a future career in construction...
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
Congrats on your Job Corps Scholarship! I suggest you consider these three things before you pick a trade.
1. Who do you know? Do you know people are career fields now that you are interested in? Why do they like it and would you like to do that kind of work. It will be a great way to find a job afterwards if you already know someone.
2. Where do you want to live? If you dont care where you end up geographically, you have more options available. If you only want to live and work in a certain place, then you may have limited opportunities and need to have skills that match that particular job market.
3. What do you like to do? Are you a people person, or like to work outside or solve problems? That will be helpful with the type of job you will be successful at.
I strongly suggest you pursue as much training available to you while at the Job Corps. Your center offers the TCU advanced training. That is an excellent goal to work towards during your basic training. Maintain your conduct and attendance and you will have a great chance at getting selected for the advanced training. You have your whole life ahead of you, so work hard and be patient and get as much training as possible. Good luck, you will do well.
1. Who do you know? Do you know people are career fields now that you are interested in? Why do they like it and would you like to do that kind of work. It will be a great way to find a job afterwards if you already know someone.
2. Where do you want to live? If you dont care where you end up geographically, you have more options available. If you only want to live and work in a certain place, then you may have limited opportunities and need to have skills that match that particular job market.
3. What do you like to do? Are you a people person, or like to work outside or solve problems? That will be helpful with the type of job you will be successful at.
I strongly suggest you pursue as much training available to you while at the Job Corps. Your center offers the TCU advanced training. That is an excellent goal to work towards during your basic training. Maintain your conduct and attendance and you will have a great chance at getting selected for the advanced training. You have your whole life ahead of you, so work hard and be patient and get as much training as possible. Good luck, you will do well.
Updated
Brian’s Answer
You could also do both. Sort of. I’m in Facilities Management at a university as the Security and Access Coordinator. The path I took started with my electrical apprenticeship. Then I became a security systems installer, next security systems programmer then Project manager. I specialized in Municipal and Educational settings. I eventually took the roll as Access and Security Coordinator for a university I had as a customer for years. I am in charge of maintenance and repair of all electronic security related equipment from replacing cameras to managing and updating servers and network equipment. I really get to work is many areas from coordinating with the Police department to managing contractors and working with the University Engineering team on designing new projects and renovations. I also work closely with people responsible for IT security on campus and our Emergency Response Manager. There are so many paths to take within facilities and security.