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how you advanced in thid field?

I am Thomas Navarro and, I want work in facilities maintenance #job-search

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Mike’s Answer

There are several aspects to Facilities Maintenance, as it involves multiple crafts (i.e. Carpentry, Electrical, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning), Locksmith, Masonry, Plumbing, Welding, etc.). Learning any one of these trades would benefit you greatly in advancing, learning more than one would increase your opportunities exponentially. I myself, started by joining the US Navy as a Machinist Mate, going through the A School learning the operation, maintenance and repair of the ships main propulsion systems (Boilers, Steam Turbines, Evaporators, Pumps, Piping Systems, Hydraulics, etc.), upon my release from active duty I went to work for the county of San Diego. Utilizing the G.I. Bill (you get paid to attend classes) for education I started taking classes in HVAC, Building Codes & Supervision. This enabled me to advance into management. Everyone I worked with advanced by either attending a trade school or the same route I took. The biggest difference (and advantage for the military) was you get paid while you learn your trade and after you finish the school, you gain practical experience. Although, I only attended the A School, the military offers additional levels of schooling. Many potential employers also give additional consideration for former military personal throughout the hiring and advancement process. Should you pick the trade school route, you pay to take classes, graduate and receive a certificate, but have no practical experience. You may also self study with the sample tests found at:http://www.pse-net.com/TSGlibraryARCO.htm. Another potential route for your career would be to look into the local parking operations (I currently work in parking) there are many opportunities in this field and the entry requirements are minimal. But once in the parking field there are several trade associations and training opportunities, advancement can be accomplished fairly easily. Most modern parking garages incorporate retail and/or housing so you get a wide verity of tasks which keep things interesting.

Mike recommends the following next steps:

Select an area of specific interest and attend classes (either trade school or military) .
When filling out an application, have the job description and details readily available and use the jargon they use to advertise the position to get past the screening process.
Check the link for sample test questions and answers: http://www.pse-net.com/TSGlibraryARCO.htm This will help improve your written exam test scores.
Once passed the screening process, study the job duties so that when asked specifics in the interview you will have the answers at hand.
It's all about selling yourself as the best candidate, look each person in the eye, give a firm hand shake, and answer their questions with the knowledge you've acquired.
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Kelsey’s Answer

I would try to focus on a specific type of facility; this will help determine the skills you will need to learn. Facility management is a very broad term that applies to almost all types of businesses. Consider the type of work environment you want to spend your time in; warehouse, production, healthcare, the options are endless. I would then find an apprenticeship in a similar field to gain experience and make sure this is something you want to do long term.

Kelsey recommends the following next steps:

Find a local facility, or several, and contact the current facility manager. Tell them your interested in this as a career and ask for any available work.
Educate yourself in a specific trade such as carpentry, electrical, etc. and apply for a helper position.
Look into government certifications that you can add to your resume.
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