Industrial Maintenance
Pursuing a career in Industrial Maintenance offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic and challenging field that focuses on the upkeep and repair of industrial equipment and machinery.
What It's All About
Students enrolled in the industrial maintenance technology program will learn how to install, maintain and repair the different types of machinery used in an endless array of modern power transmission applications. They will also learn the correct process for installation, alignment, and maintenance procedures of various machinery components including setting and alignment of conveyors, gears, gearboxes, couplings, and sheave belt systems. Additionally, they will become knowledgeable in the safe use of equipment and tools, blueprint reading, precision measurement, steel identification, fabrication techniques, and fastener identification.
These are the required skills of high-tech professionals who work in mines, paper mills, hospitals, and manufacturing. Companies of all classifications require the services of skilled industrial maintenance technicians to keep their operations running smoothly. Students entering this program should have mechanical aptitude, communication skills and the ability to read and comprehend service literature.
Job Outlook
Median Earnings
$24/hr.
Projected Job Growth
to 2029
+16% (National)
+10% (Michigan)
Education Levels
of current workers
42% high school diploma
27% some college
15% associate degree
5% bachelor's degree
Earnings, job growth and education levels noted are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (National), and CareerOneStop/U.S. Department of Labor (Michigan).
What does a career in industrial maintenance look like?
Graduates from the industrial maintenance program have a wide variety of career options locally and across the nation. They have the skills to obtain employment in manufacturing plants, mines, schools, industrial settings, food and beverage industries, recycling plants, industrial sales, construction, or as contracted service technicians.
You will be challenged to be a problem solver and demonstrate high-level mechanical aptitude. You will be tasked with new equipment installation, preventative maintenance, equipment repair or replacement, and formulating the best solutions to get the job done. Much of the work you do will be conducted on equipment that operates primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Programs
Industrial Maintenance Technology
Associate of Applied Science
If you are enrolled in the industrial maintenance technology associate of applied science degree program, you will complete many of the same courses included in the certificate program. You will also complete liberal studies courses, which further prepare you for employment as an industry professional and can increase the opportunity to advance in your career. Graduates of the associate of applied science degree can also more seamlessly continue their education through a variety of bachelor's degree programs.
Industrial Maintenance
Certificate
The industrial maintenance certificate program prepares graduates for employment in a variety of settings. As an industry professional, you will perform work-related activities such as installing equipment and maintaining machinery to meet industry specifications as well as routine maintenance on equipment to determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed. Responsibilities may include reading and monitoring gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure the machinery is functioning properly. You will use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems and become knowledgeable about the correct tools to repair machines or systems.
Contact Information
The Technology and Occupational Sciences office is at Northern Michigan University's Jacobetti Complex, Room 105.
Phone: 906-227-2190
Email: tos@nmu.edu