The highest concentrations are found in the canning, preserving, packaging, metal fabrication and plastic companies. A smaller number of Maintenance Mechanics are located in construction companies, hospitals, government facilities, mines and public utilities. The trend toward industrial automation, with increasingly complex and more expensive machinery, may tend to increase the demand for additional Maintenance Mechanics to perform essential preventive maintenance routines necessary to maintain and fully utilize these devices. This range covers both union and nonunion workers. Fringe benefits may include paid sick leave, vacations and holidays, health and dental insurance, and retirement plans.
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. Contact the California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Apprenticeship Standards, for detailed information. Large companies may offer promotion into supervisory positions.