Mobile Home Installers and Repairers (also known as Manufactured Buildings Repairers) inspect, repair, and replace fixtures, appliances, and other items and systems in mobile and modular homes. Installers also install and set up mobile homes on owners' lots or at mobile home parks.

JOB DUTIES 

Mobile Home Installers and Repairers may:

Block and level mobile or modular homes

Install fixtures and appliances

Measure copper tubing and pipe

Cut and flare copper tubing for gas supply lines to the range, furnace, and hot water heater

Connect water supply and drainage pipelines to the home and to the sinks, bathtubs, showers, and toilets; and check connections for leaks

Repair leaks or replace pipes

Connect electrical wiring to the mobile home

Locate and repair frayed wiring, broken connections, or incorrect wiring

Test the operation of appliances, light fixtures, toilets, sinks, doors, windows, and drawers

Refinish wood surfaces on cabinets, doors, floors, walls, and moldings

Measure, cut, and lay floor coverings

The tools, equipment, and work aides used may include:

Materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Mobile Home Installers and Repairers may specialize in these areas:

869.384-010 MANUFACTURED BUILDINGS REPAIRERS make repairs to various appliances and other items and systems in mobile and modular homes.

899.484-010 MOBILE-HOME-LOT UTILITY WORKERS perform a variety of duties to prepare new and used mobile homes for display and sale. Some workers may drive a truck to pick up and deliver mobile homes over long or short distances and are called "Toters".

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

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Mobile Home Installers and Repairers frequently work alone. They usually work as part of a crew under the direction of a supervisor when installing a mobile home.

Installers and Repairers may work indoors or outdoors depending on the type of their work. A few work in factories repairing mobile homes with defects. Dirty working conditions may exist when installing or repairing a mobile home. They may be exposed to such hazards as cuts and burns. Using safe work habits and suitable dress reduces the risk of accidents.

Installers and Repairers generally work a 5-day, 40-hour week but may have to work overtime to meet an installation contract or a mobile home repair deadline.

Installers may be required to travel to install a mobile home out of town. Installers and Repairers working outdoors may lose some work time because of poor weather conditions.

Installers and Repairers may belong to a craft union and pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities which involve the use of machines, processes, or methods

• Activities which bring satisfaction from working on or fixing things

You Should Be Able To:

• Rate information using standards which can be measured or checked

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Perform a variety of tasks which may change often

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If a foundation for a mobile home is 17 feet long, 12 feet wide and 3 inches thick, what is the volume of the foundation?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Must be able to read and understand construction blueprint, architectural designs, appliance manuals, etc.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report explaining to your supervisor any mistakes that might have occurred on the job.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to decide the most efficient way to finish your work without wasting any time.

Installers and Repairers who are not employees of a licensed Mobile Home Installer and Repairer or a licensed mobile home dealer must be licensed by the Mobile Home Division and land resources of the Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services. Applicants for licensure must be at least 18 years old, pay an annual fee of $50, and follow all rules of the commission. Installers and Repairers who work on the furnace, air conditioning, water or gas lines must be licensed as mechanical contractors by the Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services or work for a licensed contractor.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school) or an Associate Degree (two years of study 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***

0300 AUTOMOTIVE , 0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH , 2300 METALS , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY , 3400 WOODS

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

032 CONSTRUCTION/BUILDING MAINTENANCE

Approved vocational education programs in the Construction/Building

Maintenance prepare students to erect, maintain, and repair buildings, highways, airports, and other structures using materials such as metal wood, stone, brick, glass concrete, and composition substances. Instruction is given in cost estimating, the use of hand and power tools, and in following technical specifications and blueprints. Instruction may be given in classroom, shop, or laboratory settings or at the actual location of construction projects.

The following courses may be required for completion of this program:

CONSTRUCTION - (ON SITE)

CONSTRUCTION - (IN SCHOOL)

FLOOR COVERING

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.

056 ELECTRO-MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY

Approved vocational education programs in Electro-Mechanical Technology train students in electronics, communications, electricity, automation/ maintenance, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Students are allowed to select courses from more than one area of study. The 2 phase program teaches foundation skills as well as a common set of electro-mechanical skills which are generic to all like occupations.

Courses in other trade & 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***

035 CONSTRUCTION & BUILDING TECHNOLOGY

Construction and Building Technology programs provide opportunities to gain the needed knowledge and skills for employment in the many different types of construction and building jobs. Individuals who teach Construction and Building Technology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses within this program will vary but may include:

196 ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT AND REPAIR

Programs in Electrical and Electronics Equipment Installation and Repair provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment installing, servicing, maintaining, and/or repairing electrical and electronics systems, machines, appliances, and related equipment.

Courses within this program will vary but may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Secondary vocational education programs in construction trades and postsecondary programs in construction and building technology or electrical and electronics equipment installation and repair may offer co-op internship segments which will provide experience. Working in one of the construction trades as a helper may provide related experience.

                School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Mobile Home Installer and Repairer employer

internships

volunteer work with a Mobile Home Installer and Repairer employer

community service work with an agency

The most common method of entering this occupation is to apply directly to employers. Assistance in locating a job may be available from a high school placement office or a local office of Michigan Works!. Job openings may be listed in newspaper want ads. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank

America's Job Bank

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo! Careers

Michigan Works!

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

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Mobile Home Installers and Repairers vary depending on experience, employer, type of work done, union affiliation, and geographic location. Some Installers and Repairers are paid by the job or piecework rates. Those who work as utility workers typically earn less than those who actually set-up and level homes on the owner's lot.

Nationally, in 1998, Mechanics and repairers such as mobile home repairers earned median salaries of $546 per week (or $13.65 per hour).

There is a wide range of earnings among Mobile Home Installers and Repairers in Michigan. Those who help to install homes or handle repair complaints, or install furnaces for customers had starting wages ranging from $8.00 to $15.00 per hour in 1999.

Depending on the employer, most Installers and Repairers receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; and retirement plans. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer.

These Mobile Home Installers and Repairers usually learn this occupation through on-the-job training lasting from 3 to 6 months. A career ladder may be: trainee, Mobile Home Installer and Repairer, supervisor. Advancement for Installers and Repairers depends on experience, job skill, ability to supervise, and availability of openings. Ambitious individuals may want to get more education or become electrical or mechanical contractors to earn a greater salary.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Employment of Mobile Home Installers and Repairers will remain about the same or increase slightly in the 1990's, because more manufactures homes are being sold in recent years.

Because many people cannot afford to buy site-built homes, manufactured homes have sold well in recent years. Even though the younger segment of the population that buys these homes as starter homes is decreasing, retired older people frequently buy these homes. Because of these trends, there is a need for competent and skilled mobile home repairers.

There are about 875 Installers and Repairers employed in Michigan. Most worked in the retail trade industry for mobile home dealers and for recreational vehicle dealers. A few worked for mobile home manufacturers or for mobile home repair companies which handle contracted repair work for dealers and manufacturers. Some Installers and Repairers own their own installing or repairing business.

Employment of all mechanics, installers, and repairers, including Mobile Home Installers and Repairers is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005.

An average of 40 annual openings is expected, with 30 due to growth and 10 due to replacement of those who retire, die or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.

Michigan law now prohibits a municipality from excluding all mobile homes from areas other than a mobile home park, although zoning regulations may require a home to blend in aesthetically with other homes in the area. This allows more areas for mobile home replacement than were available in the past. However, because mobile home sales are sensitive to ups and downs in the economy, the number of job openings may change from year to year.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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