Building Maintenance

Collins Career Technical Center in Ohio offers a Building Maintenance program for high school students interested in exploring careers related to facility maintenance and repair. The program covers a wide range of topics, including electrical systems, plumbing, carpentry, and HVAC systems. Students will learn about the fundamentals of building maintenance and repair, as well as how to use industry-standard tools and equipment. This program offers hands-on training and provides students with the opportunity to gain experience in the building maintenance industry. The Building Maintenance program is a two-year program for high school juniors and seniors. Upon completion of the program, students will have the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue careers in the building maintenance industry, such as facilities maintenance technician or building engineer, or continue their education in a related field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job growth for maintenance and repair workers is projected to be about average for all occupations, and the median annual wage for maintenance and repair workers was $43,180 in May 2021.

General maintenance and repair workers typically do the following:

• Maintain and repair machines, mechanical equipment, and buildings
• Fix or replace faulty electrical switches, outlets, and circuit breakers
• Inspect and diagnose problems and figure out the best way to correct them
• Perform routine preventive maintenance to ensure that machines continue to run smoothly
• Assemble and set up machinery or equipment
• Plan repair work using blueprints or diagrams
• Do general cleaning and upkeep of buildings and properties
• Order supplies from catalogs and storerooms
• Meet with clients to estimate repairs and costs
• Keep detailed records of their work

Here are some career fields that students interested in building maintenance may pursue:

• Maintenance Technician: Maintenance technicians are responsible for ensuring that buildings are in good working condition. They perform a variety of tasks, such as repairing plumbing and electrical systems, replacing damaged parts, and performing routine maintenance.
• Facility Manager: Facility managers oversee the maintenance and operation of buildings. They are responsible for developing and implementing maintenance plans, managing maintenance staff, and ensuring that the building is in compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• HVAC Technician: HVAC technicians are responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They perform routine maintenance and troubleshoot problems to ensure that the systems are working properly.
• Electrician: Electricians install and maintain electrical systems in buildings. They are responsible for ensuring that the electrical systems are up to code and that they are working properly. They also perform routine maintenance and troubleshoot problems when they arise.
• Plumber: Plumbers install and maintain plumbing systems in buildings. They are responsible for ensuring that the plumbing systems are up to code and that they are working properly. They also perform routine maintenance and troubleshoot problems when they arise.
• Building Inspector: Building inspectors are responsible for inspecting buildings to ensure that they are up to code and that they are safe for occupancy. They may also inspect buildings for damage and recommend repairs.
• Custodian: Custodians are responsible for cleaning and maintaining buildings. They perform tasks such as sweeping, mopping, and dusting to ensure that the building is clean and presentable.

There are many other careers in the field of building maintenance, and the specific roles and responsibilities will vary depending on the organization and the type of building being maintained.