What to expect from a career as a Facilities or Industrial Maintenance Mechanic
Industrial maintenance professionals play a vital role in the manufacturing industry, ensuring that complex equipment and machinery runs efficiently and properly, with limited downtime when breakdowns do occur. Facilities and industrial maintenance programs at Ontario colleges start students on the path toward careers as industrial or facilities mechanics and maintenance technicians.
If you’re interested in a career as a maintenance mechanic and want to apply your skills to facilities and industrial equipment, here’s what you need to know.
Facilities and Industrial Maintenance Courses
Facilities and industrial maintenance programs are offered as certificate, diploma and apprenticeship programs. Programs are typically divided into one of two areas:
- Industrial Maintenance or Mechanic. These programs teach the skills and techniques necessary to install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair industrial equipment. Along with skills in welding, drawing, schematic reading and shop practice, training on various types of equipment and components is provided, teaching students foundations of pneumatics, hydraulics, power transmission electricity, motor controls and much more.
- Facilities Mechanic. Students learn to inspect, operate and maintain facilities equipment, including (but not limited to) ventilation systems, instrumentation, electrical systems, heating systems, air compressors and pumps. Courses will also focus on blueprint reading, electricity and facilities safety and operations.
Students receive plenty of opportunity for hands-on experience through shop work, learning to install, adjust and repair machinery, clean and maintain equipment, and spot defects or irregularities in equipment.
General Facilities and Industrial Maintenance Program Requirements
Ontario college facilities and industrial maintenance programs typically require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, which includes a grade 12 English credit. Additional academic requirements will vary by program, but may include senior level math and physics credits.
Note: Many industrial maintenance programs can be used as a starting point for apprenticeships. Course work can satisfy the in-class component of the apprenticeship. Once students have finished their certificate or diploma programs, they can register with the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, find a willing employer and begin the practical component of their apprenticeship training.
Facilities and Industrial Maintenance Jobs and Salaries
Most facilities and industrial maintenance programs are used as a foundation for further education in the field, be it through apprenticeship or continued education in programs such as millwright or tool and die making. However, graduates who want to start their careers can find entry-level work across a number of sectors, including manufacturing, construction, machining, welding, fabrication and more.
Salaries in the field will vary depending on role and sector, however most industrial maintenance salaries are quite competitive. Hourly wages can start as low as $15 an hour for entry-level roles and can increase to upward of $30 an hour with certification and experience.
Ontario Colleges Offering Facilities and Industrial Maintenance Programs
Use the left-column navigation to refine your search by College, Program Availability, Program Start Date and more, or see the table below for a complete list of facilities and industrial maintenance programs at Ontario colleges.
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