HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
A common pathway is to finish high school and then learn the trade through an apprenticeship or other vocational training related to electrical or industrial maintenance. The verified records show that many workers in this occupation have an apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma, while some have college-level training and others have a high school diploma. Exact pathways can vary by employer and region. Students interested in this job should build strong math, reading, and problem-solving skills, and look for opportunities to learn about tools, electricity, motors, and equipment repair through shop classes, co-op, or entry-level maintenance work.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Test and observe electrical, electronic and mechanical components and systems using testing and measuring instruments
- Troubleshoot and repair electric motors, transformers, switchgear, generators and other electro-mechanical equipment
- Replace or recondition shafts, bearings, commutators and other components
- Wind, assemble and install various types of coils for electric motors or transformer
- Perform static or dynamic balancing of armatures or rotors by welding, brazing or soldering electrical connections and by aligning and adjusting parts
- Test and repair or replace faulty wiring or components in electrical switchgear
- Test repaired motors, transformers, switchgear or other electrical apparatus to ensure proper performance
- Perform some machining to recondition or modify shafts, commutators or other parts
- Perform on-site servicing and repair.
- Electrical mechanics may specialize in working with certain types of apparatus, such as electric motors or transformers, or in performing certain functions, such as winding coils.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
What a day can include
A typical day may start with checking a motor or machine that is not running properly. The electrical mechanic tests parts with measuring tools, looks for worn or faulty components, and decides whether repair, replacement, or reconditioning is needed. During the day, they may remove a damaged part, rebuild or install coils, align components, and test the equipment again to make sure it works correctly. Some tasks happen in a shop, while others happen at a customer site or in a plant. The work can shift quickly from diagnosis to repair, and careful checking is important at every step. The goal is to get equipment back into safe, reliable operation.
SKILLS TO BUILD