How Do I Become a Machine Repair Technician?
So you want to become a Machine Repair Technician? Machine maintenance technicians keep assembly lines moving and factory machinery operating in peak condition. Before you join the ranks of Machine Repair Technicians, let's take a look at what machinery mechanics do and what education and experience you'll need to become one. Schools offering Industrial Automation Engineering Technology degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
Machine Repair Technicians, who might also be called machinery maintenance technicians or machinery mechanics, are responsible for keeping the machines used in assembly lines and repair shops working.
Tasks of a Machine Repair Technician
Machinery Repair Technicians are generally skilled workers tasked with keeping parts of a factory going, including the lifts, conveyors and presses. They diagnose problems when machines are broken and perform needed repairs. Machinery Repair Techs also find work in other business environments that use similar technology. For example, a Machine Repair Technician who specialized in conveyor systems could find work at an airport keeping baggage carousels operating.
Machine Repair Technician Formal Education
The amount of education you'll need as a Machine Repair Technician generally depends on your exact duties. Some machine maintenance technicians, particularly those tasked only with running basic tests or doing simple lubrication and cleaning work, may need only a high school diploma. On the other hand, mechanics who perform repairs on the complicated and expensive machinery used in manufacturing are much more likely to have formal post-secondary education. Options for Machine Repair Technicians include a Machine Maintenance Certificate, a Maintenance Technician Certificate or an Associate of Applied Science in Precision Machining Technology. These programs may be offered at community colleges, technical schools or vocational schools.
Machine Repair Technician Experience
Whether you have a degree or not, becoming a Machine Repair Technician will require some work experience before you're ready to set out on your own. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says military experience is frequently useful, but don't count yourself out if you lack machine repair experience from the armed services. Apprenticeship programs are another good way of building up the experience needed to become a Machine Repair Technician. So is employment as an assistant in other, related factory jobs.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:
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