Maintenance and Repair Workers, General

Education

A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required to enter the occupation. Many general maintenance and repair workers learn some basic skills in high school technical education classes, postsecondary trade or vocational schools, or community colleges.

Training

General maintenance and repair workers usually start by watching and learning from skilled maintenance workers. They begin by doing simple tasks, such as fixing leaky faucets and replacing lightbulbs. After gaining experience, general maintenance and repair workers move on to more difficult tasks, such as overhauling machinery or building walls.

Some general maintenance and repair workers learn their skills by assisting other types of repair or construction workers, including machinery repairers, carpenters, or electricians. Others may complete an apprenticeship program, which usually combines paid on-the-job training with technical instruction. More information on apprenticeships can be found at apprenticeship.gov.

Those with work experience or that have completed a vocational-technical program in a related trade may have a shorter period of on-the-job training.

Licenses, certifications & registrations

For more complex tasks, workers may need to be licensed or certified in a particular specialty, such as electrical or plumbing work. Licensing requirements vary by state and locality.

Advancement

Some general maintenance and repair workers decide to train in one specific trade and become trades workers, such as electricians, heating and air-conditioning mechanics, or plumbers.

Others might go on to become supervisors or managers or open their own repair business. To qualify for certain jobs, such as facilities manager or construction manager, a college degree may be required.

Important qualities

Adaptability. General maintenance and repair workers need to be able to shift work and priorities to handle multiple repair requests. They also may need to be on call for emergency repairs.

Customer-service skills. These workers interact with customers on a regular basis. They need to be friendly and able to address customers’ questions.

Dexterity. Many repair and maintenance tasks, such as repairing small devices, connecting or attaching components, and using hand tools, require a steady hand and good hand–eye coordination.

Mechanical skills. General maintenance and repair workers need a basic understanding of how tools, systems, and machines work to do routine maintenance and make needed repairs.

Physical strength. General maintenance and repair workers must be able to lift or move heavy equipment, parts, or materials.

Problem-solving skills. General maintenance and repair workers must diagnose and repair a wide variety of building and equipment issues. They may perform tests to figure out the cause of a problem before fixing it.