How to Break into the Industry

There are a number of different avenues to break into industrial mechanics. The skills needed to perform the job can be found in many of the other occupations that are classified as maintenance, installation and repair. Whether you want to branch into a more specialized role, break into a new industry, or are still in school trying to figure out what to do for your future, the information to follow should help guide you into seeing a path forward.

Education

Most roles only require a high school degree or GED. That being said, it's often not enough to only have that. If you're still in school, taking shop classes or transferring to a vocational high school that specializes in the trades will put you a step ahead of the entry-level competition. If they have an electrical program, take it. I find many mechanics have issues figuring out and repairing electrical problems. Additionally, if any programming classes are offered, take them. Modern machines have all sorts of programs in them, understanding how this works, or even how to program them will also put you ahead in this field.

Many community colleges offer these classes or even full courses. If you choose to enroll in any classes, be sure the focus is hands-on. Getting familiar with how to use tools and testing equipment will be more useful than a class on solely theory. The theory is important, but if you can't figure out how to open an electrical box or take off a gearbox, that theory is worthless in practice.

If you're bad with your hands but great with theory, you can still get in. Many supervisors and managers come in with a degree in engineering. They spend more time doing budget reports and crunching data from the work orders you've completed. This is the way for those who don't like getting dirty.

The benefit of this route is you can often get in with low or no cost at all if you start in high school. Many of these colleges even offer classes to high schoolers at no cost. Use these programs to set yourself up for success.

Additionally, specialized trade schools do exist. Programs focusing on HVAC, electrical and boiler operating can be found within most metropolitan areas. Many of these schools offer job assistance after graduating. Notably more expensive than the rest of the education route, scholarships and tuition assistance do exist. It is also considerably cheaper than a normal 4-year college.

Apprenticeship

Many labor unions have apprentice programs. Research your local unions and find out if they specialize in this field. The millwright, electrical, boil operators and laborer unions are commonly taking contracts in maintenance and engineering departments at big and small companies alike. If you can't find information on their websites, call them up. Some unions have continuous enrollment, allowing anyone to sign up at any time. Others have openings at different times of the year, or sometimes years apart. 

They may make you take a test. If testing is required, obviously do as good as possible. Study beforehand if you know a test is required. Often these tests place you on a dispatch list. This list may last for a few months or a few years. You will be dispatched to where there is an opening when there is an opening. If you didn't do well. The list may expire, and you'll be forced to retake the test and wait even longer before getting in.

If you do manage to get into the program, you'll be met with both on-the-job and classroom training. Take your classroom training just as seriously as you do your hands-on training. Usually, you are required to maintain your grades to stay within the program and keep your job. This will be stated in a contract you sign when getting in. 

This route is good whether you missed the chance for free classes in high school, didn't have them available, want a career change or you want a solid foundation with access to a network of people who have been in the industry to ask questions. Additionally, many of these classes will get you licenses and certifications that will be valid in your state, country or even worldwide depending on their nature.

Military

Many mechanics got their start here. There are plenty of different jobs in the military that will either have the exact skills you need, or ones that are close enough to branch in. It's on-the-job training and those with prior military experience are highly sought after for their discipline and ability to follow orders well. Another major benefit, while in the military you may need to attain different clearance levels within the government. This in itself qualifies you to work in power plants, data centers, military contractors and other very high-paying jobs.

For those who do qualify and choose to go this route, it will benefit you greatly with training and networking opportunities that aren't available to the general public. The downside of this route is that the military is not for everyone. You may have a disability that allows you to work but disqualifies you from service. If you're too old, you will not be allowed to join.

Transfer 

Companies have many departments. Maintenance and mechanics will usually fall under the engineering, facilities or some other similarly named department. You may have heard it's easier to find a job if you already have a job. This holds true. Others within this department may have roles such as porters, laborers, and cleaners. 

If you're in another department, try to transfer to one of those roles if you can't transfer to a mechanic role. The reason is that the managers there will now see who you are and how you work. You'll rub shoulders with the people you want to work with regularly. Ask questions, volunteer to help with jobs and show an interest in doing what they do.

Since most places like to promote and hire within, you'll have a much better shot at getting in. A good work ethic, the willingness to learn and do the crappy jobs no one else wants to do looks great to managers. I've seen half a shift made up of people who started in other departments and transferred in over time. Some of them didn't know how to use a screwdriver to start. Helping out and just being good workers got them in.

The upside of this way is you'll already know the facility you're at. You won't need to go through another week of orientation, setting up email accounts and all that stuff that comes along with starting a new job. The downside is that this isn't always guaranteed. The manager that's known for higher within might retire and the new one might want to bring in outsiders. It is also a time-consuming method. You may work a different job, possibly one you hate for years trying to get into the maintenance position.

Places to work

Industrial

Factories and the manufacturing industry in general are what people think of when they think of industrial mechanics, but that's not all. Here are some examples:

• Car manufacturers
• Steel Mills
• Breweries
• Distilleries
• Pharmaceutical Research Plants
• Petroleum and Chemical Processing Plants
• Slaughterhouses
• Mines
• Power Plants
• Ship or Train Yards
• Aerospace manufacturers

Some of these may be hard to break into initially, or may not interest you. Don't worry, plenty of other businesses need maintenance personnel. The skills you learn in the other branches of maintenance are transferable and often a stepping stone to breaking in where you'd like.

Commercial

These types of buildings still need full-time support. You will find the electrical, plumbing and troubleshooting skills gained tend to be beneficial to your upward mobility throughout your career. Some examples:

• Universities and Schools
• Hospitals
• Apartment Complexes
• Hotels
• Fitness Centers
• Amusement Parks
• Warehouses
• Office Buildings
• Malls
• Recreational Clubs
• Government Buildings
• Restaurant Chains
• Grocery Stores
• Casinos
• Arenas and Stadiums

As you can see, there are a variety of business types that need full-time support. You'll be surprised at some of the equipment housed on their properties. Much of the same technology is in use in these smaller locations. But wait, there's more.

Residential and Small Businesses

Now it may surprise you that the smallest scale can propel you forward, but I assure you it can. Many services provided to homeowners by small businesses will get you the skills you need to jump up the ladder if starting from the bottom. Examples:

• Appliance repairman - Learning to troubleshoot appliances like washers, driers, and water heaters will teach you how to identify and repair many of the same parts used on bigger equipment. Solenoids are in your washing machines and on every machine that runs on air. If you can test and replace on this scale, it makes the bigger scale easier. Same with pumps, motors, thermocouples, switches and relays. 
• Pool Repairman - Similar to repairing appliances. You'll learn the ins and outs of pumps. In addition, you'll learn plumbing techniques along with safe chemical testing and handling. Add in some electrical skills if you're working on pool and spa heaters. If you try to learn all the ins and outs of the business you'll get a solid fountain of skills.
• Small Engine Repair - This is a bit of a specialty for the smaller side, but an option nonetheless. Many landscaping companies have a backlog of equipment needing repair. Much of it is small engine-powered equipment, though plenty of battery-powered tools are in use too. Getting comfortable and good with proper assembly and disassembly will deepen your understanding of how machines are put together. Additionally, learning to repair battery-powered equipment will increase your skills with a multimeter, which is one of the most commonly used and useful tools. If landscaping companies in your area don't have an opening for this, you can always try golf courses in your area. 

Final Thoughts

This industry does not have to be hard to get into. Gaining experience can mean any number of different things. No matter how you break into the industry, it is ever-evolving. New paths will likely emerge as technology changes. This should be enough to get yourself started and develop a roadmap for yourself on how best you can get into the career you want. Good luck!