Others work for government agencies and for service firms that maintain equipment for a fee. Because industrial machinery repairers work in a wide variety of plants, they are employed in every section of the country. Employment is concentrated, however, in heavily industrialized areas. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Most workers who become industrial machinery repairers start as helpers and pick up the skills of the trade informally and by taking courses offered by machine manufacturers. Some learn the trade through apprenticeship programs sponsored by the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America and the International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Technical, Salaried and Machine Workers.
Apprentices learn how to operate, disassemble, and repair machinery from experienced repairers.
Classroom instruction focuses on subjects such as shop mathematics, shop theory, blueprint reading, welding, and safety. Electronics training is offered as a part of the apprenticeship program but is not required. However, a growing number of employers prefer this background. Graduation from high school is preferred, but not always required, for entry into this occupation. However, participants in apprenticeship programs must have a high school diploma or the equivalent.