Industrial Machine Repairers, often called Maintenance Mechanics, maintain and repair machinery and equipment, cranes, pumps, engines, conveyor systems, and other mechanical equipment used in industry. The type of machinery serviced depends on the particular industry.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Industrial Machine Repairers may:

Observe and inspect equipment regularly to locate causes of trouble

Oil, grease, and clean machine parts

Dismantle machines and equipment to remove worn or defective parts

Redesign parts to perform special functions

Repair or replace defective parts

Install special parts

Sketch a part to be manufactured in the plant's machine shop

Redesign parts to perform special functions

Operate basic machine tools to make needed parts

Examine parts to find changes in the dimensions

Adjust controls on machinery and equipment

Reassemble machinery and equipment

Start and test equipment

Keep maintenance records of the equipment serviced

The tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Industrial Machine Repairers may specialize in these areas:

638.281-014 INDUSTRIAL MACHINE REPAIRERS, often called maintenance mechanics, maintain and repair machinery and equipment, cranes, pumps, engines, conveyor systems, and other mechanical equipment used in industry. The type of machinery serviced by repairers depends on the particular industry.

638.261-030 MACHINERY REPAIRERS maintain and repair machinery and equipment, including precision machinery, such as lathes; drill presses; and broaching, milling, and screw machines; using hand and power tools and precision measuring instruments.

629.281-030 GRAIN AND FEED MILL MACHINE REPAIRERS inspect, adjust, and repair cleaning, grinding, sifting, and other machines and equipment used in a grain and feed mill.

626.261-010 FORGE-SHOP-MACHINE REPAIRERS maintain and repair hammers, forging presses, rolls, upsetters, and furnaces. They follow blueprints, manufacturers' catalogs, and data chart specifications and use hand tools, power tools, and precision measuring instruments.

626.384-010 WELDING EQUIPMENT REPAIRERS make repairs on welding, burning, and brazing equipment according to sketches, catalogs, parts lists, and charts.

629.261-022 ELECTRONIC-PRODUCTION-LINE-MAINTENANCE MECHANICS repair and maintain the machines and equipment used in producing electronic components such as capacitors, resistors, and semiconductor devices.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Industrial Machine Repairers usually work under the direction of a plant or shop supervisor. They may work alone or as a member of a repair team depending on the type of machinery being repaired and the extent of the job. Most Repairers work inside factories or other industrial areas although some outdoor work may be required due to the location of a particular piece of machinery. Work areas may be hot and greasy and working in cramped or stooped positions or from the top of a ladder. Repairers are subject to common shop injuries such as cuts and bruises. Goggles, helmets, and safety shoes help to protect them from injury.

Repairers generally work a 5-day, 40-hour week. In emergencies, they may be called to the plant during off-duty hours. In some factories, they may work night or weekend shifts. They are rarely affected by seasonal changes in production. During slack periods when some workers are laid off, Repairers are often kept to do major overhaul jobs which may result in considerable overtime.

Industrial Machine Repairers belong to labor unions such as: the United Steelworkers of America; the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; or, the International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Technical, Salaried and Machine Workers. Union members must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities dealing with things and objects

• Activities involving the use of machines, processes, or methods

• Activities which bring satisfaction from working on/producing things

You Should Be Able To:

• Demonstrate mechanical aptitude and perform a variety of duties

• Understand pictorial representation of 3-dimensional objects

• Follow established limits and standards

• Use judgment and make decisions about appropriate repairs

• Work with tools and basic tool room machines

• Observe safety rules

• Perceive detail/see differences in shapes/shadings/measurements

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If the diameter of a hole is increased from 2 centimeters to 3 centimeters, what is the effect on the area of this hole?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Work then involves moving an object through a distance. A force may be applied but if there is no motion, then no work is done.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write an explanation, to your supervisor, telling him or her why one of your machines is not working.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to locate a problem with a piece of machinery and then decide how to alleviate the problem.

Applicants for apprenticeships in this occupation usually must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and pass a written examination.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer; a High School Diploma or Equivalent; a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes; a Certificate (program of up to one years of study beyond High School); an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond High School) or an Apprenticeship (usually three to four years of training beyond High School) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH , 2300 METALS , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

037 INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR

Approved vocational education programs in Industrial Equipment Maintenance and Repair prepare students to maintain and overhaul bulldozers, cranes, graders, concrete mixers, and other large construction equipment. Instruction is given in inspection, maintenance, and repair of tracks, wheels, brakes, operating controls, engines, and in techniques of welding and brazing.

Courses in other trade and industrial programs may be required for completion of this program.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

098 MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY

Programs in Mechanical Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the design, manufacture, testing, operation, and maintenance of devices, tools, and mechanical equipment. Individuals who teach Mechanical Technology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses will vary from school to school but may include:

120 ROBOTICS TECHNOLOGY

Programs in Robotics Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the design, manufacture, testing, installation, operation, and maintenance of robots, robotic systems, and related devices, tools, and mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment. Individuals who teach Robotics Technology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

 Search for a College and/or Instructional Program 

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

023 INDUSTRIAL MACHINE REPAIRER

Some people enter occupations within this MOIScript through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job.

WHAT IS LEARNED ON THE JOB

WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM

069 MAINTENANCE MECHANIC

Many people enter occupations within this MOIScript through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job.

WHAT IS LEARNED ON THE JOB

WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript  

E-Learning Courses and Programs 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Many workers who become Industrial Machine Repairers start as helpers and gain experience on the job. Secondary vocational education programs in industrial equipment maintenance and repair may have a co-op portion which includes practical experience. Postsecondary programs in mechanical technology or robotics technology may offer co-op or internship opportunities. Formal apprenticeship programs also offer experience.

           School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Industrial Machine Repairer employer

internships

volunteer work with a Industrial Machine Repairer employer

community service work with an agency

Industrial Machine Repairers usually enter this occupation by applying directly to employers or by completing a formal apprenticeship program. Assistance in finding a job may be available through a local union or a local office of Michigan Works!. Open positions in this occupation may appear in newspaper want ads. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank (http://www.michworks.org/mtb/user/MTB_EMPL.EntryMainPage)

America's Job Bank (http://www.ajb.dni.us)

Classifieds Employment (http://www.classifieds2000.com)

Yahoo! Careers (http://careers.yahoo.com/)

MONSTER.COM (http://www.monster.com)

Michigan Works!  (http://www.michiganworks.org)

Michigan Department of Career Development  (http://www.michigan.gov/mdcd/)

            You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of these Repairers vary by union affiliation, geographic location, place of employment, and the employee's skill.

Nationally, median weekly earnings of Industrial Machine Repairers were about $650 or $16.25 per hour in 2000.  The median weekly earnings of  "all" workers in the U.S. were $597 in 2001.

In the automobile industry, most Machine Repairers' hourly wage rates ranged from $26.58 to $26.80 (mid 2002). Machine Repair Leaders earned from $27.07 to $27.44 per hour. An additional cost-of-living allowance was paid to these workers.

Hourly wages in Michigan for Industrial Machine Repair Workers in early 2002 were:

Maintenance Mechanics employed by the State of Michigan earned between $13.87 and $20.88 per hour in early 2002. Supervisors could earn from $17.83 to $23.18.

Apprentices generally begin at 50-60% of the journeyperson wage level and receive periodic increases while in training.

Depending on the employer, most Industrial Machine Repairers receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; a retirement plan; and sick pay. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer. Repairers in the auto industry may also receive optical, dental, and prescription drug insurance plans. Unionized employees and their employers may contribute jointly to a union trust fund which is used to pay for certain fringe benefits.

Qualified Repairers may advance to supervisory level positions, depending on experience and additional training. Upgrade examinations may be administered periodically to determine the Repairer's ability to maintain more advanced machinery.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, there were approximately 180,500 Industrial Machine Repairers employed in 2000. Employment in this occupation is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2010. About 7.4% of all Industrial Machine Repairers were self-employed. The industry distribution for Machine Repairers looked like this:

The amount of complex factory machinery requiring maintenance and repair will be one of the major factors affecting employment in this occupation. About 24,000 Industrial Machine Repairers are employed in Michigan. Most worked in or near metropolitan areas and large cities. A small number of Industrial Machine Repairers were self-employed. Most Machine Repairers were employed by manufacturers of motor vehicles, machinery, fabricated and primary metal products, and chemical and food products. Other industries employing Industrial Machine Repairers included mining, wholesale trade, and utilities.

The employment of Industrial Machine Repairers in Michigan is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2008. Approximately 630 openings will occur yearly during this period with 90 due to growth and 540 due to replacement of those who retire or leave the labor force. Additional openings will occur as workers change occupations. In late 2001, there were 909 apprentices in training for this occupation, and 145 completed the apprentice program during the prior 12 months.

More Industrial Machine Repairers will be needed because many companies are replacing and upgrading their equipment. Environmental issues and legislative mandates caused manufacturers to use less toxic coolants, to upgrade farm equipment, and to install machines to make recyclable papers and containers. In addition, developments in computerized machinery caused upgrading of machinery. Together these factors have caused growth in the employment of Industrial Machine Repairers, especially those with combined skills in mechanics and electronics.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2008

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Industrial Machine Repairer can be summarized by the following:

Copyright © 2003 Michigan Department of Career Development