maintenance technician.

As a maintenance technician, you have the opportunity to influence your salary in different ways. The salary for a maintenance technician can depend on the complexity of the job and how the role is designed. This means that those with longer work experience and who can demonstrate greater technical expertise have a good chance of increasing their salary. Salary setting varies between different employers. There is a difference in the salary you can get as a maintenance technician in a larger company compared to a smaller company. If you have more experience and extensive practical knowledge, you have better chances of getting a higher salary regardless of employer.

• Assist with the installation of machines and equipment: In the role of maintenance technician, you help to install new appliances, equipment and machines needed at the workplace. You may also need to move equipment that has been used previously. Everything must be carried out safely to avoid injuries. You also test the machines and equipment to ensure they work as they should.
• Carry out maintenance and repairs: The primary responsibility in the role of maintenance technician is to handle faults, production stoppages and machines or equipment that stop working. you inspect all equipment regularly to identify problems at an early stage. This is to ensure that the machines can produce products of the right quality. It is your responsibility to plan and carry out the maintenance. You also need to plan your time to ensure that repairs that need to be done happen as quickly as possible, without affecting production more than necessary. If you cannot repair machines or equipment that have stopped working, you need to communicate this to management. You also provide details about the reason why the machines are not working and which different components need to be repaired or replaced entirely.
• The company's objective: Many businesses in the manufacturing industry are under constant pressure to produce according to the daily target. In many cases, it is a maintenance technician who is responsible for the upkeep of the crucial machines. This means that, in practice, it is your responsibility to ensure the machines are working and that the company can achieve its production goals every day.
• Relate to the budget: You understand the equipment and machines used in production better than anyone and know what is needed for production to run smoothly. This means you are involved in developing the maintenance department and implementing the allocated budget.
• Training: In the job as a maintenance technician, it also includes training other colleagues. This may involve colleagues working in production, who need to know how the daily maintenance procedure should be carried out. In your role, you are responsible for ensuring that this is communicated clearly and that colleagues are kept up to date with the latest information regarding the maintenance of the important machines.
• Take part in various meetings: To plan production and manage large projects, many companies hold both external and internal meetings. Taking part in these meetings and contributing your expertise on the parts you are responsible for is part of the job as a maintenance technician.
• Inspections: If you work for a manufacturing company, you are responsible for inspecting the building or factory, the machinery, equipment and systems to map out and identify any potential problems. Some systems, such as HVAC and heating systems, require regular inspections to ensure there are no issues that could affect the workplace in the future.

The working environment does not differ significantly whether you work in the manufacturing industry, in a large office space or in a block of flats. As a maintenance technician, you spend most of your working day indoors, repairing and maintaining equipment. However, if you work in a residential or apartment building, your working environment can vary throughout the day. For example, there may be tasks that require you to work outdoors, such as when you need to carry out some maintenance on the facade. In the job as a maintenance technician, you sometimes have to handle special tools and wear protective equipment, where the work often requires you to manage more physically demanding tasks. The job also requires your presence, which means you cannot work as a maintenance technician remotely.

In the role of maintenance technician, you may work closely with other professions who are also responsible for maintenance or repairs of equipment. It may involve maintenance engineers, electrical engineers, industrial electrician, mechanical engineer, service engineer and factory managers. It also happens that you collaborate with plumber and electrician, but also with other roles that require more specialised knowledge.

The most common situation is that a maintenance technician works regular office hours and full-time, as it is a job carried out with clear routines. However, there are industries and companies that need to always have a maintenance technician present. If production is running around the clock, it requires a maintenance technician to work at more unsociable hours, such as nights, evenings, and weekends. It is not unusual for shift work to occur as a maintenance technician, so that staffing at these types of workplaces works properly. There are also maintenance technicians who work at several different locations during the day and therefore need to travel for work in order to carry out their duties.

As a maintenance technician, you have good opportunities to grow in your role and develop your skills to become more suitable for responsible positions. Specialising in a specific area can also be a way to advance your career, and if you want to be promoted to a new role in the future, work experience is very important. Then you may become eligible for a job as a maintenance manager or facilities manager. Some maintenance technicians specialise in one area, and later become electricians, plumbers or refrigeration technicians.

There are many advantages to finding a vacant job as a maintenance technician through Randstad.

• various development and career opportunities

• an experienced contact person who can help you if needed

• many job vacancies within your area

• full-time or part-time work depending on the job/assignment

Do you want a permanent position as a maintenance technician? A temporary contract or short-term job as a maintenance technician is often a good first step towards a permanent position. Every year, several people get a permanent job with employers thanks to a temporary job that has come through us at Randstad. In addition, many companies recruit their permanent staff directly through Randstad.

No academic education is required to work as a maintenance technician, but as technical knowledge is needed, technical education at academic level can be an advantage. For those who have the ambition to advance in their career, it can be beneficial to show a bachelor's or master's degree with a technical focus.

There are several different higher vocational education programmes that prepare you for a job as a maintenance technician. The advantage of these courses is that they include practical elements that get you ready for working life.

Already at sixth form level, there are several relevant courses for those who want to start a career as a maintenance technician. The electrical and energy programme, the technical programme, the industrial technology programme, the vehicle programme and the construction programme can each in their own way pave the way for a career as a maintenance technician.

Work experience is important for succeeding as a maintenance technician, since it is a job that mainly involves practical tasks. Having previous experience with these practical tasks is an advantage, either from a previous job or from an internship.

To be able to work as a maintenance technician, you need technical expertise so you know how to work with different systems, equipment, machines and facilities when carrying out repairs and maintenance.

As a maintenance technician, you need to have the ability to plan to ensure that the maintenance to be carried out happens efficiently, without negatively affecting production. The machines should be switched off for as short a time as possible. You also need to plan for your own and your colleagues' efforts.

The most important thing in the job as a maintenance technician is to be able to identify problems and potential problems as soon as possible.

As a maintenance technician, you need to have a good dialogue with your colleagues to give instructions about what they should do. With better communication skills, you can convey the instructions clearly.

It’s important to avoid problems and injuries. In the role of maintenance technician, you therefore need to have a keen eye for detail when carrying out maintenance, troubleshooting and routine inspections. This will make your work more efficient and ensure you don’t miss important things.

As a maintenance technician, the main task is to carry out regular maintenance of machines and equipment used in the workplace. Repairs may also be needed if any problems arise. Preventive maintenance work is intended to avoid production stoppages. You also inspect and test the equipment that is installed, to ensure that safety and performance are at the right level.

There are no specific educational requirements to work as a maintenance technician, but some employers have certain requirements for the person who will take on the role of maintenance technician. However, the role may be designed differently by different employers. Already at secondary school level, you can study programmes that are relevant for a role as a maintenance technician. It is also possible to pursue either an academic education or a vocational college education.

There is a need for maintenance technicians in many different industries, and the role can be designed in various ways, with completely different tasks. There are also good opportunities to advance in your career and move into other, more responsible roles. This makes a career as a maintenance technician exciting and rewarding.

It's easy to apply for a job as a maintenance technician. Search among our vacant jobs in your area. Then send in your cv and your personal letter or apply via LinkedIn

If you need help with your job application, you can read all our guide's job tips here! 

There is a need for maintenance technicians in many different industries, and the role can be designed in various ways, with completely different tasks. There are also good opportunities to advance in your career and move into other, more responsible positions. This makes a career as a maintenance technician exciting and rewarding.