Carrington College-Tucson issued the following announcement on June 16
Am I a match for a Career as an Industrial Machinery Mechanic (IMM)?
You have always been the kind of person who likes to figure out how things work. You enjoy taking something apart and putting it back together and making it work more efficiently. You like the challenges of mechanical operations because you are good at finding the problem and determining the solution. Sound like you? If so, there are many industries in need of your particular talent.
What kinds of responsibilities would I have in this IMM position?
Industrial machinery mechanics keep the big wheels of machinery running for all types of manufacturing, wholesale trade, construction and commercial and industrial machinery and equipment facilities. Mechanics test, maintain and repair factory equipment, including industrial machinery such as conveying systems, production machinery and packaging equipment.
Typical duties include:
- Perform basic diagnostic tests to identify problems
- Disassemble machinery and equipment to pinpoint malfunction
- Repair or replace malfunctioning components
- Adjust and calibrate equipment to performance specifications
- Clean and lubricate equipment or machinery
- Perform test runs to validate repair effectiveness
- Verify optimum machinery performance
Is this career field stable?
We live in an industrialized nation dependent upon mass production of goods and services. Optimum function of industrial equipment and machinery is at the heart of successful production and a stable economy.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook Handbook, job growth for Industrial Machinery Mechanics is projected to increase 5% from 2018 to 2028, about average for all occupations. See: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/industrial-machinery-mechanics-and-maintenance-workers-and-millwrights.htm In May 2019 there were approximately 2,590 Industrial Machinery Mechanics in the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ area and approximately 3,670 statewide. See: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499041.htm#st
Three things continue to influence IMM job security for well-trained technicians: growing use of sophisticated manufacturing machinery, increased dependency on computer-controlled machines that require specialized training and increased demand for skilled technicians to replace older, ‘baby-boomer’ workers retiring in great numbers.
What kind of salary can I expect?
Most industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers are employed full-time during regular business hours. However, mechanics may be on call and work night or weekend shifts. Overtime is common, particularly for mechanics. See: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/industrial-machinery-mechanics-and-maintenance-workers-and-millwrights.htm#tab-3
The mean annual wage for Industrial Machinery Mechanics in the Phoenix-Mesa, Scottsdale, AZ area in May 2019 was $51,300 and $52,810 statewide. See: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499041.htm#st
Do I need additional education and training to work in this field?
A balance of career-specific education and hands-on training provides a strong opportunity for success in this field. Industrial machinery mechanics, millwrights and machinery maintenance workers need a high school diploma or equivalent before they advance their knowledge and experience with a 2-year Associate’s degree in Industrial Maintenance or opt for a long-term apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships may take 3-4 years of on-the-job training to meet performance requirements. Each year must have a minimum of 144 hours of technical instruction and up to 2,000 hours of paid, on-the-job training. See: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/industrial-machinery-mechanics-and-maintenance-workers-and-millwrights.htm#tab-4
Take your timeline, learning style and financial position into consideration. Choose a path that gives you and future employers what is needed to perform most successfully.
A well-trained machinery mechanic, knowledgeable in sophisticated machinery and equipment will always have the edge in this industry.
What is my strongest option to get to job-ready?
Carrington College offers an Industrial Machinery Mechanics program designed to meet your professional, as well as future employer needs. A balance of classroom instruction and hands-on experience, using industry-wide tools and equipment, positions you well for future job-placement.
Upon completion of the Industrial Machinery Mechanics program, graduates will be able to:
- Apply basic concepts of electrical theory related to motor control
- Operate and maintain machinery and machinery components, such as industrial bearings, gear systems and shaft joining and coupling devices
- Perform advanced hydraulic testing procedures, maintenance, and hydraulic systems operation
- Program, install and perform diagnostic functions on programmable logic controllers (PLC)
- Use computer and associated hardware and software to generate documents, prepare electronic spreadsheets, manage databases, conduct internet research, and communicate via electronic mail
- Demonstrate the ability to apply critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and professionalism
- Use computer hardware and software to generate documents and spreadsheets
- Manage databases, conduct internet research
- Demonstrate critical thinking, collaboration, and professionalism
Graduates of Carrington College’s Industrial Machinery Mechanics program earn a Certificate of Achievement in as few as 7-months, or an Associate of Science degree in as few as 16-months.
Explore the vision you have of yourself as an Industrial Machinery Mechanic with a Carrington College Enrollment Services Representative. The more information you have, the greater certainty you will feel that this is the right career choice for you.
Original source can be found here.
Source: Carrington College-Tucson
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