General Maintenance Mechanics

High School

Many employers prefer to hire helpers or mechanics who are high school graduates, but a diploma is not always required. High school courses that will prepare you for this occupation include mechanical drawing, metal shop, electrical shop, woodworking, blueprint reading, general science, and applied mathematics. Since computerized systems are increasingly being used to monitor building operations, it's a good idea to also take computer science courses.

Postsecondary Training

Some mechanics learn their skills by working as helpers to people employed in building trades, such as electricians or carpenters. Other mechanics attend trade or vocational schools that teach many of the necessary skills. Becoming fully qualified for a mechanic's job usually requires one to four years of on-the-job training or classroom instruction, or some combination of both.

Certification

BOMI International offers a building systems maintenance certificate. Applicants must complete two required courses (Air Handling, Water Treatment, and Plumbing Systems and Energy Management and Controls) and one of the following elective courses: Boilers, Heating Systems, and Applied Mathematics or Refrigeration Systems and Accessories. Other certificates are also available. Contact BOMI International for more information.

Other Education or Training

The Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals offers educational workshops on topics such as equipment reliability, organization and leadership, and work management. The Association for Facilities Engineering, BOMA International, BOMI International, and Mechanical Contractors Association of America also provide continuing education opportunities. Contact these organizations for more information.