A maintenance director is responsible for overseeing the upkeep and repair of a large residential or commercial facility. A high school education is typically required to begin training, and additional instruction from a trade school or technical institute may also be needed to become a maintenance director. A considerable amount of on-the-job training is typically required to learn the different trades utilized in this profession. You may also want to seek professional certification in this field before you become a maintenance director.
Preparation for a career as a maintenance director can begin as early as high school for many people. Most employers require you to have a high school diploma to make certain that you have the basic reading and mathematical skills necessary for this position. You should take courses in machine shop, woodworking, and computer science during high school to prepare for this profession, and additional coursework in electricity and blueprint reading will also be helpful in the future. While in high school, you may want to seek summer employment in the construction, plumbing, or electrical trades to begin acquiring the skills needed to become a maintenance director.
Additional training from a trade school or community college will prepare you to become a maintenance director. This profession requires an extensive knowledge of electricity; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC); and plumbing. You must also be able to read building blueprints and electrical wiring diagrams to perform your duties. Some trade schools and technical institutes offer a two-year training program that teaches basic skills for several different crafts, while others offer short-term certificate courses in a particular trade. Many schools offer evening classes or online instruction to allow you to work in an entry-level position while completing your formal education.
Several years of on-the-job training will also be needed to become a maintenance director. Most directors begin this career as an entry-level apprentice to learn the practical application of their formal education. During this training period, you will learn how to perform short- and long-term maintenance procedures, as well as periodic equipment testing and replacement. In addition to the various trades required for this profession, operation of the computer-controlled equipment utilized by many facilities must be learned as well. You will be given various supervisory responsibilities as your experience increases.
It might be a good idea to pursue some type of professional certification to enhance your future job prospects in this industry. In the United States, widely-recognized certifications are offered to entry-level workers and experienced directors by the International Management Institute. Candidates must have sufficient education and work experience to sit for the certification examination. A wide range of topics are covered by the exam including mathematics, blueprint reading, and troubleshooting, as well as electricity, piping, and landscape maintenance.
