Industrial Maintenance Skills Guide
Recommended high school level background courses
- AC and DC electrical systems
- Power units and mechanical drives
- Principles of engineering
- Building construction
- Metalworking
- Welding
- Industrial arts
- General math
- Algebra I
- Algebra II
- Geometry
- Physics
- Science
- Nanotechnology
- Computer use and keyboarding
- Internet-sourced technical information and training search experience
- Reading comprehension
- English composition
- Safety and health
Basic skills in the program and on the job
Technical learning
The industrial maintenance program prepares the student for a career as a maintenance technician whose responsibilities would be machine repair, troubleshooting, designs and revisions, and preventive and predictive maintenance activities. Students are expected to enter the program with good study skills. In their coursework, they will refine the ability to be creative thinkers and develop various problem solving methods as will be required in the wide variety of maintenance activities they will encounter in the industry.
Reading
Students in this program must learn the importance and meanings of various technical concepts and terminology. You must be able to relate the accompanying texts and follow a detailed sequence of instructions to complete maintenance projects. Texts, which are an essential part of the coursework, are written at a college level. Supplemental readings include computer internet sources, technical manuals, trade publications and industrial maintenance forms.
Language
Written and verbal communications are important in the industrial maintenance program. All students in the A.A.S. degree will take at least one 2000 level English or communications course. Students will also write technical reports for classes and lab projects. In the maintenance industry, the technician is expected to interact with personnel in other departments, including management, production and sales. In written work within the classroom, as well as on the job, they must concisely and clearly describe equipment problems, propose solutions and document repairs and maintenance programs.
Math
Often, mathematic abilities are needed in industrial maintenance technologies. High school courses in algebra, geometry and physics will help the student succeed in this program. All students in the A.A.S. degree will take at least one 2000 level mathematics course. Maintenance professionals use applied math constantly to design, refine and troubleshoot systems and equipment. This application of mathematics is crucial for success in the field.
Computer
Students entering the program should have basic keyboarding and word processing skills, which they will use in class and lab projects. A good understanding of computers and the Internet, and the ability to access tutorial programs, code requirements, maintenance manuals and technical specifications are important for success in the maintenance program. The student should feel confident in his or her abilities to search, download and implement information for instructional tasks. All students in the A.A.S. degree will take at least one 2000 level computers course.