Most maintenance mechanics learn their craft on the job.  Maintenance mechanics can usually get a job with only a high school diploma or GED.  Many companies will train entry-level mechanics via an apprenticeship program that may last a few years (typically 4 years) with both classroom and on the job training.  However, many companies prefer to hire those who have taken high school or postsecondary courses in mechanical drawing, blueprint reading, math, electronics, computer programming or electronics.

Apprenticeships can be sponsored by state labor departments, companies or by local union chapters.  Jobseekers can apply of union apprenticeships with qualified applicants training in local training facilities or factories.

Maintenance mechanics typically need a year or more of formal education and training after high school to learn the different mechanical and technical skills they need.  Mechanics used to specialize in one area, such as hydraulics, however many companies now want mechanics who also have knowledge of electricity, electronics and computer technology.

Mechanics can receive training by a few different ways.  They can get a 2 year associate degree in industrial maintenance or they can start as helpers in a plant and learn the skills informally and by taking classes offered by their employer.  It is very common for experienced production workers to eventually move into maintenance positions if they have good mechanical skills.  Employers may send workers to local technical schools or offer on-site classroom training in addition to on the job training.

Classroom subjects will focus on shop mathematics, welding, blueprint reading, hand & power tools, pneumatics, hydraulics, valves, pumps, lubricating, measuring devices, gauges, heat exchanger, HVAC, electronics, computer training, etc..  Workers may also get training on how to repair a specific piece of equipment through the manufacturer's reprehensive or in a classroom setting.

On the job training will be offered by experienced mechanics, trainers or manufacturer’s representative.  Typical on the job training may last a few months to years to perform  routine tasks such as completing simple work order, preventative maintenance tasks, setting up equipment, cleaning or starting up equipment. 

It is imperative that maintenance mechanics have good problem-solving skills because it is important that they be able to quickly find the cause of a problem and repair it.  If a production line is stopped for an extended amount of time because it can't be repaired quickly, the plant will lose money because production workers will have nothing to do and shipment will be delayed to the customer. Additionally, it is important that maintenance mechanics a good mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity to complete tasks.  Reading comprehension is important to understand technical manuals for various machines and good communication skills are necessary to understand the need of other workers and managers.  It is also necessary that mechanics be in good physical condition to complete various tasks, such as lifting heavy objects or climbing to reach equipment.  It is also important for mechanics to take safety seriously.  If not careful, mechanics can be severely hurt or in some rare cases lose their life.

Below are some of the training that is normally required for maintenance mechanics:

Mechanical Print Reading: Read and interpret various types of mechanical prints which include learning about print symbols, legends, tolerances, etc.

Basic Hand and Power Tools: The proper use of various tools such as screwdrivers, hammers, wrenches, pliers, cutter / strippers, punches, chisels, scribes, handsaws, files, pullers, electric drills, circular saws, hydraulic press, belt sander, etc.

Mechanical Components:  Typical components used in industrial plants such as bearings, cams, gears, belt drives, shafts & couplings, chains & sprockets, brakes & clutches, geared speed reducers, springs, star wheels & timing screws, etc.

Fundamentals of Lubrication:  The basics about lubricating principles, types of lubricants, manual lubricating devices & equipment, automated lubricating equipment, lubricating methods & application, equipment monitoring, etc.

Basic Pneumatics & Hydraulics: The basics about hydraulic safety, development, applications, advantages of hydraulics, physics of hydraulics, hydraulic symbols, pneumatic safety, advantages of pneumatics, pneumatic symbols, etc.

Measuring Devices and Gauging Applications:  The fundamentals of measurement vs. gauging, types of measuring devices, errors and uncertainties, measuring instruments, gauges and measuring techniques, dial gages, indicating gauges, special purpose gauges, etc.

Basic Mechanical Troubleshooting:  Learn how to trouble various problems that happen in typical industrial facilities.

Metallurgy Fundamentals:  The basic understanding of metal properties (mechanical, physical, chemical), types of metals (ferrous, non-ferrous), mining of metals, iron making process, steel production, casting, allows and specials application metals, non-destructive testing of metals, etc.

Pumps: Different pumps used, pump terminology and basic principles, centrifugal pumps, positive displacement pumps, special purpose pumps, pump principles and laws, pump characteristic curves, pump testing, etc.

Heat Exchangers and Basic Heat Transfer:  A basic understanding of the 1st and 2nd laws of thermodynamics, heat exchanger types and operating principles, boilers and steam generators, steam traps, condensers, cooling towers, regenerative heat transfer systems, temperature controls, heat exchanger testing, heat exchanger problems.

Pipe and Piping System Components: The fundamentals of fluid flow, pressure and force, piping materials and specifications, piping codes and standards, fabrication and installation of piping systems, non-metallic pipe, pipe fittings, specialty piping and typing, piping system design consideration, valves, etc.

Lock-Out \ Tag-Out Safety Training:  To proper locking out and tagging of equipment to safety complete work.

Additional training maybe required specific to the industry you work in.  A job in a nuclear plant will require training that is different than a job in a steel mill.