If you enjoy working on machinery and equipment, working in a machine maintenance position might seem ideal. Often, you’ll spend your shift managing routine upkeep, troubleshooting malfunctions, and handling critical fixes. Keeping the machinery up and running is your primary goal, one that can be incredibly rewarding.
But, if you want to land a machine maintenance job, having the right qualifications is essential. Not everyone has the right skill set to thrive in these positions. Luckily, by knowing what hiring managers want to find, you can make sure you bring everything they are seeking to the table. If you’re going to qualify for a machine maintenance role, here’s what you need to know.
Education and Training
While you may be able to substitute experience for education, many leading employers prefer machine maintenance candidates who have some formal training. It lets them know that the applicant has the core foundational knowledge that is necessary to handle the duties.
Usually, an Associate’s degree in a manufacturing or mechanical specialty is ideal. However, completing a vocational training program focused on machine operation and maintenance could also do the trick.
Technical Abilities
When it comes to technical capabilities, the exact ones you need may vary from one role to the next. However, many machine maintenance jobs have a lot in common, giving you insights into the critical components of a qualifying skill set.
For example, being mechanically inclined is a must. You also need to be familiar with the various tools of the trade, electrical systems, and standard components. Knowledge of troubleshooting techniques and have some general experience using manufacturing equipment is similarly essential, in most cases. Likewise, you need to understand routine maintenance procedures, can read manuals, and know-how work order systems operate.
Additionally, safety-oriented capabilities are critical. For example, you need experience with lockout/tag-out procedures, as those are essential for ensuring no one is put unduly at risk when a machine malfunctions or is being repaired.
Soft Skills
Technical ability is essential, but so are soft skills. Without the right traits, you may struggle to flourish in any workplace.
In many cases, the ideal candidate has strong attention-to-detail and is highly accountable. They also have secure communication and collaboration skills, allowing them to work well as part of a team.
Time management and organizational skills are vital, as well. This is especially true if you will be working independently at times to troubleshoot issues or handle various forms of routine maintenance or repairs.
Finally, a willingness to learn is a must. Companies often bring in new kinds of equipment, so you need to be open to learning more about their maintenance requirements and general use.
Ultimately, if you have all of the skills above, you may qualify for a machine maintenance position. If you’d like to find out more or are looking for a new opportunity, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our recruiters today and see how our services can make it easier for you to take your career forward.
