Getting into an elevator mechanic career is as rewarding as it is challenging. Nonetheless, it’s an interesting profession if you like choosing the road less travelled. You will have lots of amazing opportunities as urban landscapes evolve and the demand for skilled elevator mechanics continues rising.
This article will cover the essential steps, qualifications, and insights you need to know before entering this field.
Who Is an Elevator Mechanic
An elevator mechanic, also known as an elevator technician, is a professional who has the electrical and engineering knowledge to install, maintain, inspect, and repair elevators. They may also have some knowledge about escalators and moving walkways.
As an elevator mechanic, you will have various tasks geared towards ensuring that elevators and, sometimes walkways and escalators, operate properly and safely in both public and private facilities. Getting here requires a lot of training and experience. Given the sensitive nature of your roles, it’s highly advisable to choose a premium Elevator Training course from a top provider like RocketCert.
So, What Does an Elevator Mechanic Do?
An elevator mechanic has various roles, but the most important are:
- Assembling and installing elevators
- Electrical works such as wiring and rewiring electric units
- Maintenance, inspection, and repair of elevators and similar units
- Recording data from inspections, repairs, and maintenance works
- Connecting car frames and assembling car lifts
- Test and revise braking mechanisms to keep the elevators safe
- Studying and implementing equipment-specific technology
- And more.
How to Become an Elevator Mechanic
Interested in becoming a successful elevator mechanic? Here are the steps you should follow:
1. Get an Education
You will need some basic education to become an elevator mechanic. The two common options are a high school diploma or GED certificate. You should consider taking physics, geometry, and skilled trade courses in high school if these options are available. You can even register to join a vocational school and take additional coursework in subjects like physics, engineering, or mechanics to set the right foundation for your career.
2. Apprenticeship
This is the next crucial step after acquiring your basic education. In most cases, you will need a 4-5 year apprenticeship which involves on-the-job training. You will work under the supervision of seasoned elevator mechanics to acquire real-world skills and enhance your knowledge in the following areas:
- Electrical theory.
- Blueprint reading.
- Safety protocols.
- Industry codes.
- Elevator equipment and machinery.
Bear in mind that the application requirements to join an apprenticeship program often vary depending on who’s offering the training. In most cases, however, students must be 18 years old, possess one of the basic education certificates, pass assessments in various basic topics such as maths and mechanical aptitude, and have the required physical strength and stamina.
After completing your apprenticeship, you can proceed to apply for a licence if your state requires it. For this, you have to check with your state’s board to learn about the specific requirements you must meet to obtain your licence.
3. Get Some Certification
Even though certification is typically not required, you can always earn an additional certification to stand out. The National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC) offers 3 main programs that are also Division of Labour-approved. These programs include:
- Certified Elevator Technician (CET) – Focused on technical theory and industry codes. This program lasts 4 years, after which you will take an exam to obtain certification.
- Qualified Elevator Inspector (QEI) – The QEI certification has no education program; the only way to obtain your certification is through an exam. You will, however, have to show proof of training and prior experience during the application.
- Certified Accessibility and Private Residence Lift Technicians (CAT) – This one’s similar to CET in that you will take an education program that lasts 2 years before acquiring your certification.
Education That Helps You Excel In Your Career
As an elevator technician, there are lots of opportunities you will have access to once you’ve acquired your certificate. That’s why you want to invest adequately in acquiring the right skills.
RocketCert is a great partner in this! With expertly written, fully narrated, and easily accessible online courses, you can now enjoy an easier journey to licensing. So, why not register today and embark on a hassle-free journey toward success?
