Maintenance Technician

What is a Maintenance Technician?

A maintenance technician is a professional who ensures the proper functioning of equipment, buildings, and systems through inspections, preventive maintenance, repairs, and safety checks.

How to Become a Maintenance Technician

Begin by gaining industry experience to understand what is expected in the maintenance technician career and to familiarise yourself with the day-to-day responsibilities. This practical insight can be invaluable.
Consider enrolling in college courses and apprenticeships to build your technical skills. One common path for aspiring maintenance technicians is to complete a relevant qualification, such as an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) course. These courses provide the knowledge and skills necessary for the job while emphasising safety.
Most maintenance technicians typically complete a 3-4 year apprenticeship to gain hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge. Additionally, they often hold a Level 3 technical and vocational qualification or a Level 3 diploma relevant to their specific field of maintenance.
Depending on your career goals and interests, you may choose to specialise in a specific area of maintenance, such as HVAC, electrical systems, plumbing, or industrial machinery.
After completing your education and gaining relevant experience, start searching for maintenance technician positions in various industries, such as manufacturing, facilities management, or residential maintenance.

Key skills for a Maintenance Technician

Technical Proficiency - The ability to effectively perform maintenance and repair tasks related to electrical systems, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, and machinery maintenance.
Problem Solving - The capability to diagnose issues, troubleshoot problems, and find effective solutions to maintain equipment and systems.
Safety Awareness - A strong commitment to safety practices and knowledge of safety regulations, ensuring that maintenance work is conducted safely.
Attention to Detail - Being meticulous in inspections and maintenance tasks to identify potential issues and perform thorough repairs.
Communication Skills - Effective communication, both verbal and written, to convey information to colleagues, write reports, and document procedures.
Time Management - Efficiently managing tasks and prioritising maintenance activities to minimise downtime and ensure optimal operation of equipment and systems.

Day-to-day tasks

A Maintenance Technician's day-to-day tasks can vary depending on their specific role, work environment, and the equipment or systems they are responsible for maintaining. However, here are some common day-to-day tasks you might find in the routine of a Maintenance Technician:

Equipment Inspection
Scheduled Maintenance
Repair Work
Emergency Repairs
Documentation
Safety Checks
Collaboration
Training and Development

The specific tasks can vary depending on the industry and the type of facility being maintained, whether it's a manufacturing plant, commercial building, residential property, or any other environment.

Earning Potential as a Maintenance Technician

Earnings vary based on experience and skills. Maintenance Technician in the UK could expect to earn an annual salary ranging from £30,000 to £50,000. However, this is a broad average, and actual salaries can vary widely based on factors such as location, industry, experience, and specialisation.