Maintenance workers are responsible for repairing, sustaining and setting up hardware for homes, companies and production plants. To many people, they are the lifeline to keep machines up and running without problems. If devices does not work properly, then it’s not making parts, thus not making revenue.

Currently, in 2012, many young adults are not getting into the maintenance field for a host of reasons. Lots of people don’t want to get filthy or work with their hands. They desire working in a temperature controlled atmosphere sitting behind a desk. Consequently, it’s expected there will be a lack in “skilled” maintenance personnel in the coming years.

So what’s the job outlook? Well it depends on which market you are looking. Listed below we will look at the different markets:

Aircraft and Avionics

It’s predicted that the job outlook for aircraft and avionics will expand as fast as the average for all other jobs which is about 7%. Job opportunities should be good for individuals who complete aircraft mechanic schooling; nonetheless, acquiring a job at a major airline will be competitive.

Air traffic is anticipated to increase due to an expanding economy and population and consequently more aircrafts will be needed.

Currently, some major airlines are outsourcing their maintenance work overseas; however, most prefer to have their airplanes worked on in the U. S. due to stricter regulations in the U. S.

Electrical Maintenance

Job growth for electricians is predicted to be good for workers who offer a wide range of capabilities including data, voice and video.

It’s expected that employment of electricians should increase by 12% from 2008 to 2018, which is faster than the average occupation. Due to increase in population, more homes, schools, hospitals, and other building will be required. They all need electricians to wire for electricity, data, voice and video. Additionally, older buildings will need to be retrofitted due to outdated electrical systems to meet modern codes.

Production plants are making use of new technologies for instance robots and automation which require highly skilled electricians to install, repair and maintain.

Building Maintenance

It’s predicted that building maintenance jobs will expand about average when in comparison to other jobs. Job growth will be a result of population increase which require more buildings to maintain and from replacing older workers approaching retirement.

Per the U. S. Department of Labor, the job growth for building maintenance workers should increase by 11% from 2008 to 2018.

Mechanical Maintenance

Because of an increase with the use of automation in manufacturing, there is a need for highly skilled mechanics to install, repair and maintain complicated equipment.

Irregardless, employment for maintenance mechanics is predicted to grow a lot more slowly than average when compared to other careers. Maintenance mechanics workers are predicted to grow 6% from 2008 to 2018. Job growth will occur from the need to replace retired workers and worker turnover. Many business employers have reported having issues acquiring capable mechanics.

Dexter Johnson is instructs and consults regarding maintenance training.