If you are looking for career options and are mechanically inclined and prefer a varied work environment, then facilities maintenance could be the job for you. Facilities maintenance isn't janitorial work. Instead, it entails working as a member of a maintenance team take care of large facilities, such as office complexes, industrial plants, and university grounds. Daily work can involve maintaining and repairing industry-specific equipment, basic facilities like HVAC and electrical systems, and other onsite mechanical equipment. There are three main facilities maintenance training paths, as detailed below.

Certificate Path

The certificate path is generally chosen for those that have taken an entry-level facilities position although they have no background or previous training in facilities maintenance. Sometimes a facilities maintenance manager will hire someone with specific previous experience, such as electrical or plumbing experience, and then provide on the job training in the specific requirements of facilities maintenance. For those with licensing in related trades, such as electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians, certification in facilities maintenance could also open up further job opportunities. In-house certification may be required in order to progress in your career. There are also private training certification programs you can sign up for. The certificate path isn't generally advised for those that are not either already actively employed in a facilities maintenance position or have other training and licensing in a related trade.

Associate Path

An associate's degree in facilities maintenance typically takes two years to complete, although there may be options to earn the degree in as little 18 months if you can find a year-round program. Earning an associate's degree and then taking the certification exam at the end for facilities maintenance may open up opportunities for further job growth, such as in supervisory positions or increased pay. Further, this degree can be used as a jumping-off point for future training and education, such as in mechanical engineering.

Bachelor's Path

A bachelor's degree option is also available for facilities maintenance. This option is best suited to those hoping to move up to facilities plant management positions. Not only will you be required to take mechanical and maintenance courses, but you must also take courses on business, management, and planning so that you are prepared to have an entire maintenance crew working under you. The bachelor's path typically takes four years to complete.

Contact a facilities maintenance training program to learn more about the options in your area.