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I have a question for Maintenance workers how did you get into that field of work and what are some things you like/dislike about it

#maintenance

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Tricia’s Answer

I'm an engineer in charge of the maintenance department. I got into maintenance because the Maintenance and Reliability department was giving out free pizza if kids would show up at the intern fair. I took a position as an intern because they had an option close to home - and I've been in maintenance more or less since.

I do like that it is almost always something new - things rarely break the same way, and I get to think a lot troubleshooting why something failed and how to prevent it.

I dislike that things fail on nights, weekends, holidays. With almost 15 years experience, I've now had to work every holiday and my children's' birthdays.

I hire the maintenance folks in my organization. I trade school is definitely a good way to get ahead. Electricians and welders are technical skills that pay well. Industrial maintenance will pay a lot better than say facilities maintenance. You'll do similar work for most of your career - there are jobs as maintenance leads and supervisors after you've had some experience.
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Pilar’s Answer

Hello Thomas,

The maintenance worker job title covers a broad range of duties, some general and some very specific. Generally, the field is considered an entry-level position and typically does not require a degree or vocational school. Some jobs cover the maintenance of mechanical equipment, buildings, and machines. People who enter the field typically like working with their hands.

Although I am not in the maintenance field, I have worked maintenance jobs during my college years. It is often hard work and very few opportunities for advancement. If this field appeals to you may I suggest a vocational school (trade school). Plumbers, electricians, pipe fitters and carpenters are in short supply around San Francisco Bay Area and the country.
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