High School

While most employers prefer to hire those who have completed high school, opportunities do exist for those without a diploma as long as they have had some kind of related training. While you are in high school, take courses in mechanical drawing, general mathematics, algebra, and geometry. Other classes that will help prepare you for this career are physics, computer science, and electronics. Any class that gives you experience in blueprint reading adds to your qualifications.

Postsecondary Training

In the past, most industrial machinery mechanics learned the skills of the trade informally by spending several years as helpers in a particular factory. Currently, as machinery has become more complex, more formal training is necessary. Today many mechanics learn the trade through apprenticeship programs sponsored by a local trade union. Apprenticeship programs usually last four years and include both on-the-job and related classroom training. In addition to the use and care of machine and hand tools, apprentices learn how to operate, lubricate, and adjust the machinery and equipment they will maintain. In class they learn shop mathematics, blueprint reading, safety, hydraulics, welding, and other subjects related to the trade. Many factories require machinery mechanics to also have knowledge of electricity, electronics, and computer programming.

Students may also obtain training through vocational or technical schools. Useful programs are those that offer machine shop courses and provide training in electronics and numerical control machine tools.

Other Education or Training

The Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals offers webinars such as Gathering the Right Information for Predictive Maintenance and Best Practices for Condition Monitoring with Ultrasound. Contact the society for more information. 

Certification or Licensing

The Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals offers the following certification credentials to industrial machinery mechanics who pass an examination: certified maintenance and reliability technician and certified maintenance and reliability professional. Contact the society for more information. 

Apprenticeships and on-the-job training at manufacturing plants will provide useful experience for aspiring industrial machinery mechanics.

Mechanics should have a broad knowledge of machinery and manufacturing operations.  They need manual dexterity and keen analytical skills that enable them to evaluate mechanical equipment, repair, and replace it. In addition, mechanics should be physically fit to handle equipment. Good physical condition and agility are necessary because as a mechanic you will sometimes have to lift heavy objects, crawl under large machines, or climb to reach equipment located high above the factory floor. They also need good manual dexterity.

Students interested in this field should possess mechanical aptitude. Mechanics must know how to read technical manuals accurately, test and calibrate equipment, and check its performance.

Mechanics are responsible for valuable equipment and are often called on to exercise considerable independent judgment. Because of technological advances, you should be willing to learn the requirements of new machines and production techniques. When a plant purchases new equipment, the equipment's manufacturer often trains plant employees in proper operation and maintenance. Technological change requires mechanics to be adaptable and to have inquiring minds.