How to Become a Maintenance Technician in Kentucky

Start a new career or advance your career opportunities by becoming a maintenance technician in Kentucky.

There are usually more than 1,000 maintenance technician job openings in the state.

This is one reason that some people may choose this career.

Maintenance technicians in Kentucky often start working within a few months.

They do not have to earn a college degree.

Schools that offer maintenance technician training programs give students the knowledge and skills that they need for entry-level jobs.

Learning how to become a maintenance technician in Kentucky is the first step towards starting a career in this growing field, changing careers, or advancing current knowledge and skills for career growth.

Steps to Become a Maintenance Technician in Kentucky

Maintenance technicians who work in Kentucky must follow several steps before they start their careers.

Following the steps is also important for anyone who wants to change careers and start working in the field, or who wants to advance their career.

Step 1: Complete a High School Education

Maintenance technicians have many responsibilities that require them to keep equipment and operations running smoothly at their place of employment.

They also have duties that are related to the safety and reliability of equipment and systems.

Learning the basic skills of understanding what is required of them starts with earning a high school diploma or a GED.

Having a high school diploma is important for anyone who wants to become a maintenance technician.

It is something that employers want to see in their job applicants.

Gaining reading comprehension skills in school is only part of the value of a high school diploma.

Maintenance technicians in Kentucky must also be detail-oriented and have good communication skills, in addition to their technical skills.

Step 2: Understand The Duties and Responsibilities of Maintenance Technicians

People who are interested in becoming maintenance technicians often have concerns when considering a training program or when applying for a job.

There are some other careers that are similar to maintenance technicians.

Although some other jobs have similar duties, they may not be maintenance technicians.

Make sure that the program is a maintenance technician program.

Although some employers may accept applications from people who have completed a similar training program, others may not accept it.

One example of the importance of people knowing about careers is that there are careers such as an industrial maintenance technician or mechanic.

Industrial maintenance mechanics usually work in large facilities, while maintenance technicians usually work for smaller companies.

General maintenance workers often work in retail settings or for small businesses.

They may perform light maintenance and housekeeping duties.

Aviation maintenance technicians and maintenance engineers often complete advanced training and degrees.

Maintenance technicians make routine inspections and repairs to make sure that equipment and systems run smoothly and meet safety requirements.

They make emergency repairs and install new equipment.

Employers will have their own list of responsibilities for their maintenance technicians.

Step 3: Complete a Training Program

Schools in Kentucky that offer maintenance technician training programs prepare students for entry-level jobs.

Some schools may offer advanced training for maintenance technicians who want to improve their skills or job opportunities.

The maintenance technician programs are usually certificate programs.

It is not necessary to earn a degree to work as a Kentucky maintenance technician.

The programs at some schools may include an opportunity for students to earn a certification.

Make sure that the school or training facility is an accredited institution.

Step 4: Earn a Certification

Earning a certification lets employers know that you have the knowledge and skills that are needed of today’s maintenance technicians in Kentucky.

Check with the school that you want to attend to see if they offer a path towards earning certification.

The Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP) offers the Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician credential.

Earning the credential shows employers that you have the knowledge and skills that are needed for multi-skilled maintenance technicians.

Students may want to earn an HVAC certification.

It shows that maintenance technicians have comprehensive training and knowledge of heating and ventilation systems.

People who want to work as apartment maintenance technicians may want to consider earning the Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT) credential.

The National Apartment Association (NAA) offers the credential.

Step 5: Apply for Maintenance Technician Jobs

Start applying for maintenance technician jobs just before you complete your training or certification.

Some employers may hire entry-level employees who are nearly finished with their training.

Other employers will only hire maintenance technicians in Kentucky who have completed their training program and who have a certification.

Make sure that you have the skills that the employer wants for their maintenance technicians.

People who apply for maintenance technician jobs that require advanced knowledge of electrical systems or several years of experience are not likely to be hired if they are new training program graduates.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Maintenance Technician in Kentucky

The state of Kentucky does not require maintenance technicians to have a license.

The requirements for maintenance technicians are usually those that are set by employers.

People who want to work as maintenance technicians in Kentucky should make sure that they have the qualifications before they submit their applications.

Maintenance Technician Programs in Kentucky

Kentucky has several schools that offer maintenance technician programs.

The schools often have online programs.

Kentucky Community and Technical College System

The 16 colleges in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System work to prepare students for their future.

The Maintenance Technician Certificate program is offered at nine of the schools.

Some courses that are in the 24-27 credit program include Introduction to Computer-Aided Design, Basic Electricity, Applied Fluid Power, and Programmable Logic Controllers.

The tuition is $195 per credit hour.

Eastern Kentucky University

The online Maintenance Technician program at Eastern Kentucky University prepares students for a successful career.

Students learn about machines and systems and how to keep them operating efficiently.

Some things that students learn about during the 18-month program include hydraulics and pneumatics, electrical systems, troubleshooting, how to perform inspections, and safety.

The course also includes supervisor skills, virtual labs, and simulations.

The tuition is $1,695.

All instructional materials are included in the tuition cost.

Northern Kentucky University

The maintenance technician program at Northern Kentucky University provides students with the knowledge and skills that they need to become maintenance technicians or to increase their skills.

Students learn about electrical systems, mechanical systems, advanced manufacturing, grinding, and motor controls.

They also learn about safety and inspections.

The 18-month program also includes coursework in quality control and process improvement techniques.

Students need to have basic computer skills.

The $1,695 tuition includes all instructional materials.

Salary

The job growth for maintenance technicians in Kentucky means that employers will be looking to hire qualified people to fill their jobs.

Entry-level maintenance technicians have a good starting salary.

Salary.com indicates that the average salary for maintenance technicians in Kentucky is $56,935.

Some things that can affect salary include experience, training, certifications, and the city where maintenance technicians work.

Maintenance technicians who work in Covington, Kentucky, earn an average salary of $58,792.

Maintenance technicians earn an average salary of $55,313 in Frankfort, Kentucky.

Regional Salary in Kentucky

Maintenance Technician by State