Facilities technicians are usually maintenance professionals responsible for performing general and advanced maintenance on buildings. In order to become a facilities technician, you may need to complete a trades training program or a formal technical program. Most employers will also want you to have a certain amount of experience. You will need to find and apply for jobs and complete the interview and hiring processes as well.
Education and training can be important for someone looking to become a facilities technician. Many junior colleges and technical schools offer certificate, diploma and degree programs in a wide range of trades, including plumbing, HVAC, carpentry and electrical work. You can choose to focus on one particular specialty, or you may wish to obtain several certificates in different areas. Some such programs also lead to certifications, which may be necessary in order to become a facilities technician in certain areas of the field.
In some areas, trade associations and unions also offer the training required to become a facilities technician. These programs usually offer a combination of classroom and on-the-job training. You'll want to consider all training programs carefully based on your goals, your budget and the industry requirements in your area.
You will also want to consider whether or not programs offer an internship or practicum component because experience often is necessary to land these types of jobs. This experience can be paid or unpaid and may be in general maintenance work or in a specific field depending on the position or employer. Many employers will accept a few months of experience for entry-level jobs, but most will require many years for the most senior positions.
As with any position, you will need to find and apply for jobs. Job boards, company websites, maintenance staffing services and departments of labor are all good resources for finding open positions. While any employer might look for a facilities technician, these jobs are most often found in large buildings and groups of buildings, so you may want to pay special attention to office buildings, office parks, condos, apartment complexes, hospitals, hotels, resorts, schools and colleges.
You will most often need to fill out a company application once you find an open position. You might also consider creating a professional resume or hiring a service to write one for you. Plan to participate in one or more interviews as well, and be aware that some employers might require you to pass a criminal background investigation before you can become a facilities technician. This is especially true of housing facilities, government-operated buildings and colleges.
