Golden State Career Videos

Education and Training
Many employers prefer high school graduates. Suggested high school courses are mathematics, physics, machine shop, mechanical drawing and blueprint reading. Many workers start as machinist and mechanic helpers, learn various skills of the trade, and then transfer and train to become Maintenance Mechanics.

Some entry-level mechanics train through formal apprenticeship programs offered by manufacturing companies. These programs require three to four years to complete and include on-the-job training and related classroom instruction such as shop mathematics, blueprint reading and welding. Contact the California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Apprenticeship Standards, for detailed information.

Skills & Other Requirements
Mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity and good physical condition are also necessary. Maintenance Mechanics perform prescribed tests and measurements conducted at regular intervals on machinery to ensure continuous operation and to detect possible breakdown conditions before actual equipment failure. They also make adjustments to machinery using precision measuring instruments and are responsible for cleaning, greasing and oiling machinery to prevent breakdowns. Maintenance Mechanics determine the cause of trouble and make the necessary repairs. In maintaining and repairing equipment, they often follow blueprints, sketches, diagrams, lubrication charts, operation manuals and engineering specifications. They first observe the machinery in operation to locate the cause of trouble and may dismantle it to reach the defective parts. They then repair or replace the faulty parts using a variety of hand and power tools and welding equipment. They often use catalogs to order replacement parts. If a part is not readily available, the mechanic may sketch the needed part and have it fabricated by the plant machine shop. Maintenance Mechanics then test the repaired machinery to see that it works properly.