what is a maintenance mechanic?
As a maintenance mechanic, you keep everything running by maintaining and repairing various mechanical systems. In this role, you take care of different pieces of equipment and machinery. Your duties revolve around diagnosing issues, replacing machine parts, and ensuring the proper functioning of electrical systems. While many of your tasks involve maintenance, it is crucial to know how to install systems.
The specific types of systems you work on depend on which industry you work in. If you work in the manufacturing industry, for example, you keep computer numerical control (CNC) machines, industrial robots and other systems in good working order. When a machine abruptly malfunctions, your responsibility is to troubleshoot the problem and perform emergency repairs. Some maintenance mechanics work in building maintenance, ensuring the proper functioning of heating and cooling systems or maintaining electrical systems in buildings.
Whether running diagnostic tests or repairing a complex piece of machinery, you use a combination of hand and power tools. It's important that all the work you do adheres to safety regulations and procedures recommended by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS).
Would working as a maintenance mechanic suit your troubleshooting and problem-solving skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a maintenance mechanic role.
view jobsaverage maintenance mechanic salary
According to Job Bank, the average salary of a maintenance mechanic in Canada is $57,000 per year or an hourly rate of $29. Your earnings fluctuate based on experience. For instance, with entry-level experience, you start with a salary of $48,500 annually. The most experienced maintenance mechanics take home a salary of $72,000 yearly.
what factors affect the salary of a maintenance mechanic?
As a maintenance mechanic, your earnings fluctuate based on various factors. As such, educational qualifications and experience influence your earnings. In an entry-level role, you perform simple, routine duties. However, as you improve your experience, you handle complex tasks, such as replacing machine parts and installing heavy industrial machinery. Most maintenance mechanics have apprenticeship qualifications, but you can negotiate higher wages if you have professional trade certification.
The industry you work in also influences your earnings. When you work for a manufacturing company, you handle complex industrial machinery, which requires additional expertise. The complexity of your role improves your earning potential. Companies that operate 24/7 may also pay more, as you'll be expected to be on call to handle any issues that arise.
types of maintenance mechanics
The industry you work in determines the duties you perform and your area of specialization. Some of the industries that hire maintenance mechanics include:
- automotive industry: as a maintenance mechanic, you work on vehicles to ensure they are roadworthy. You diagnose issues in vehicles and replace parts.
- aerospace: in aerospace, you evaluate and maintain machines used for building planes. You also work with aircraft mechanics to ensure the aircraft meets the required safety standards.
- manufacturing: as a maintenance mechanic, you perform routine maintenance duties and assemble manufacturing machines and equipment. You ensure repairs are done on time to minimize downtime while ensuring all machines meet strict health and safety standards.
working as a maintenance mechanic
Working as a maintenance mechanic is a promising career, especially if you enjoy fixing machines and diagnosing equipment issues. Let's take a look at the specific duties, work environments and career opportunities.
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what does a maintenance mechanic do?
The typical tasks of maintenance mechanics include:
- installing new equipment: as a maintenance mechanic, your knowledge of machinery comes in handy during installation. When a company orders new equipment for production, you assist with the installation. You set up the machine and test it to ensure it functions as expected. After installation, you monitor the equipment's performance to ensure it operates at the correct capacity and note any inefficiencies.
- creating a maintenance schedule: as a maintenance mechanic, you are responsible for maintaining machinery and equipment in the company. Hence, you develop a maintenance schedule for all the machines to ensure they remain in good working condition. You determine when the machine parts need replacement and work with other production workers to ensure issues are identified on time.
- diagnosing issues in machines: as a maintenance mechanic, you identify and repair issues in machines. You inspect the equipment and use diagnostic tools to identify issues. Once you identify the problem, you follow the manufacturer's troubleshooting instructions to correct the defect. You also test the machines after repairing and replacing parts.
- adhering to safety regulations: as a maintenance mechanic, you have extensive knowledge of the safety standards required to operate machines and heavy equipment. You ensure the company adheres to local production regulations and is in compliance with manufacturing regulations. It is also important to train other employees about expected safety regulations and ensure they adhere to task requirements.
- performing administrative tasks: as a maintenance mechanic, you fill out maintenance log books and note down any repairs and replacements performed. Keeping accurate maintenance and repair records protects the company from lawsuits in case of accidents.
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work environment of a maintenance mechanic
Working as a maintenance mechanic in the construction industry is much different from doing so in aviation. However, there are some typical expectations you should have for your work environment. For example, maintenance mechanics usually stand for the majority of their shifts.
You repair and maintain complex machinery, which often consists of greasy parts. Minor workplace injuries occur regularly, such as sprains, bruises or small cuts. If your job takes place in a harsher environment, expect to wear safety goggles, hard hats and other protective equipment. Even when maintenance mechanics aren't at work, they're often on call.
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who are your colleagues?
As a maintenance mechanic, you work alongside engineers and other technical professionals. For instance, you work with maintenance technicians, maintenance engineers and maintenance workers. You may also collaborate with mechanical engineers, industrial engineers and electrical engineers. Other professionals you are likely to collaborate with include production workers, factory supervisors and general labourers.
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maintenance mechanic work schedule
Maintenance mechanics typically carry out a full-time schedule with 40-hour work weeks. However, expect to work overtime, depending on the scope of your work. It's also common for unexpected maintenance problems to occur, which requires more of your time and focus.
Even if your workweek is 40 hours, it doesn't mean you will have standard working hours. It's common for maintenance mechanics to work shifts ranging from 6-12 hours. These shifts take place at any time. For example, night shifts and early morning shifts are commonplace.
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career opportunities as a maintenance mechanic.
All types of companies require maintenance mechanics to ensure their machinery runs properly. For instance, almost every manufacturer and apartment building needs maintenance mechanics to fix issues as they arise and provide routine upkeep.
As a maintenance mechanic, you have access to career advancement opportunities. When you work as an entry-level mechanic, you complete minor maintenance tasks that don't require comprehensive skills or knowledge. Once you gain some experience, your tasks include repair and maintenance work on all pieces of equipment in the building. People who stay in this position long enough often receive promotions to work as maintenance supervisors.
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advantages of finding a job as a maintenance mechanic through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
maintenance mechanic skills and education
Some of the educational requirements for maintenance mechanics in Canada include:
- apprenticeship: after completing secondary school, you can join a training course or vocational program that equips you with mechanical knowledge. Pursue the industrial machinery repair or millwrighting apprenticeship, which usually takes three to four years and combines on-the-job training with coursework.
- work experience and trade certification: the apprenticeship program makes you eligible for trade certification. You can get an industrial mechanic trade certification. Alternatively, get the Red Seal endorsement by completing an interprovincial examination. Maintenance mechanic is a regulated career in some provinces and territories. For instance, if you work as an industrial mechanic in Alberta, you should register with Alberta's Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT). In Manitoba, maintenance mechanics are regulated by the Apprenticeship Manitoba organization.
competencies and characteristics of maintenance mechanics
Some of the skills for maintenance mechanics include:
- technical and problem-solving skills: as a maintenance mechanic, you require extensive technical knowledge in machine operation to install and fix issues. You should also know how to navigate complex issues and tackle them efficiently. With your diagnostic and problem-solving skills, you can identify the source of mechanical breakdowns and malfunctions.
- physical skills: working as a maintenance mechanic is physically demanding. Along with spending long hours on your feet, you often get in uncomfortable positions and move heavy pieces of equipment. Even the tools maintenance mechanics use are typically heavy. Having steady hands is essential to avoid causing additional damage to sensitive components and machines.
- computer skills: as a maintenance mechanic, you use technology to diagnose issues in mechanical systems. You rely on computers to calibrate equipment and ensure they work as expected. Having computer skills is also essential in performing your administrative duties and preparing maintenance schedules.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a maintenance mechanic.
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how much does a maintenance mechanic earn in Canada?
As a maintenance mechanic, you earn a salary of $57,000 per year. However, your salary fluctuates based on your experience and the company you work for. Your starting salary when you have minimal experience is $48,500 per year. When you are experienced, you make up to $72,000 annually.
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what is the job description of a maintenance mechanic?
As a maintenance mechanic, you oversee maintenance tasks to ensure production equipment functions optimally. You develop maintenance schedules for all the machines in the company and ensure they meet the required safety standards for use. Using diagnostic tools, you identify issues in machines and perform repairs.
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are maintenance mechanics and technicians the same?
Maintenance mechanics are more specialized than technicians, but they focus on a singular area. As a maintenance mechanic, your focus is on machines and mechanical equipment. A maintenance technician can handle any repair issues that arise but doesn't specialize in the mechanical aspects of repairs.
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what are the qualifications for a maintenance mechanic?
You should complete an apprenticeship program to become a maintenance mechanic. Ensure you gain relevant work experience to get professional trade certification.
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how do I become a successful maintenance mechanic?
You require good problem-solving skills to identify issues in equipment and machinery. Being proactive helps you identify problems in machines before they escalate, while manual dexterity is useful for operating hand and power tools.
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how do I find a job as a maintenance mechanic?
Finding a job near you as a maintenance mechanic is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the ‘Apply’ button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Send us your resume and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
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