Working with your hands, installing and maintaining equipment, tinkering with a malfunctioning piece until the solution clicks, mechanical equipment repair workers keep a variety of equipment running and earn the appreciation of their customers. Mechanical door repairers work on garage doors, automatic door mechanisms, and hydraulic doors. They install door frames and rails or rollers, as well as electric door openers and closers. They drive to job sites, generally outdoors, complete work orders, and collect payment from customers. Control and valve installers and repairers work for utility companies. They test equipment such as electric meters and gas regulators, identify leaks or malfunctions, and make repairs. They typically work outdoors in teams, and use safety equipment and procedures to minimize the hazards involved in keeping power sources connected. Home appliance repairers repair all types of electric or gas appliances, such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, and ovens. They drive to different job sites daily, and work indoors, often in cramped, awkward work spaces. In addition to skills with hand and power tools, these repair workers rely on communication skills every day to interact with customers and coworkers. Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent, though some valve and control installers may need technical training or an associate’s degree.
What they do:
Repair, adjust, or install all types of electric or gas household appliances, such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, and ovens.
On the job, you would:
Bill customers for repair work, and collect payment.
Observe and examine appliances during operation to detect specific malfunctions such as loose parts or leaking fluid.
Talk to customers or refer to work orders to establish the nature of appliance malfunctions.
Business
customer service
administrative services
Engineering and Technology
mechanical
computers and electronics
Arts and Humanities
English language
Basic Skills
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
talking to others
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Hand and Finger Use
keep your arm or hand steady
hold or move items with your hands
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
order or arrange things
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Integrity
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Cooperation
Analytical Thinking
Independence
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Data base user interface and query software
dESCO ESC
RazorSync
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
high school diploma/GED or certificate after high school usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.