The construction and maintenance industry offers a wide range of fantastic job opportunities depending on what skills and interests you have. One of these fulfilling careers is becoming an elevator mechanic. It’s the job you want if you are interested in benefits like a high earning potential, an opportunity to work in a dynamic field, great job security, and good career advancement prospects.
But what do you need to know before getting started? Here’s a guide on that.
First, What Will Your Job Involve
You’re probably so excited about taking your elevator mechanic pre-licensing course, since completing it successfully will take you a step closer to your goal. In the excitement, you may have forgotten to pause for a moment to think about what your job will involve.
In summary, you will apply the engineering and electrical knowledge you acquired during training to install, maintain, inspect, and repair elevators and other related technology. This not only ensures that such systems are working as expected but also guarantees the safety of those using them.
The particular tasks you should expect include:
- Performing scheduled inspections and maintenance
- Repairing machinery and components
- Diagnosing malfunctions and replacing equipment if necessary
- Recording data from inspections
- Connecting car frames and assembling elevator cars
- Installing and assembling new machinery
- Wiring and rewiring electric units
- Adapting to equipment-specific controls and technology
- Testing and adjusting braking mechanisms
- And more
Expect these tasks to vary in some environments or when working with certain e
How, Now, Do You Become an Elevator Mechanic?
Now that you know what to expect after becoming an elevator mechanic, here’s how to get there:
1. Get an Education
If you don’t have a high school diploma or GED certificate, consider getting one, since you may need this to be accepted into an apprenticeship program. For your high school diploma, take physics, geometry, and skilled subjects like electrical and mechanical classes.
Some schools may not offer these, so take the closest units to these. If possible, enrol in a vocational school for additional coursework in mechanics, physics, and engineering.
2. Complete an Apprenticeship
After successfully building your foundational knowledge, it’s time to join an apprenticeship program to learn the necessary trade skills. Entities such as unions, other businesses, contractors, and even industry associations like the National Elevator Industry Education Program are all great options for your apprenticeship.
Take this training seriously as it will equip you with the crucial skills you need to become proficient in different areas such as blueprint reading, electrical wiring and circuits, safety protocols, and elevator equipment. Many apprenticeships last four to five years. Once you’re through, you will need to get a licence if your state requires it; make sure you check with your state’s licensing board to find out.
3. Get Certified
In addition to completing an apprenticeship program and obtaining a licence where necessary, it’s a good idea to earn additional certification. Getting certified is not only a way to show dedication to your practice, but it will also equip you with vital skills that will be crucial to your success. Some of the top certifications to consider are:
- Certified Elevator Technician (CET)
- Qualified Elevator Inspector (QEI)
- Certified Accessibility and Private Residence Lift Technician (CAT)
4. Keep Advancing in Your Career
There’s always advanced training and certification for those who are interested in advancing to higher positions, such as training or supervisor jobs. And since this field, like every other, keeps advancing, you should also consider completing continuing education to familiarise yourself with new software, equipment, technologies, and best practices for safety and efficiency.
Technical training or professional development to guarantee up-to-date knowledge is also a mandatory requirement for renewing your licence in several states, so keep that in mind.
Start Your Career the Right Way
Becoming an elevator mechanic is a good idea if you love subjects like engineering and physics. You will get to do something you love while enjoying benefits like a high earning potential, a strong job outlook, and amazing advancement opportunities.
Ready to get started? Visit rocketcert.com to get your pre-licensing education that will give you in-depth knowledge of this field.