Career Opportunities and Work Life

Skills You'll Need

Salary Ranges

The Classroom Experience

Certificate & Degree Options

"Area employers are looking for employees who possess advanced knowledge of technology and who can minimize downtime by effectively communicating," says Lake Michigan College program coordinator and instructor Ken Flowers. "Companies lose money when equipment isn't working properly. It is up to the industrial mechanic to solve or communicate the problem to another mechanic."

Critical thinking skills for troubleshooting are crucial in this field. Being able to accurately diagnose a problem and having the ability to efficiently solve the problem is key. Industrial mechanics have to be self-motivated and apply themselves to the task at hand.

Other skills and knowledge you'll need to be successful include:

• flexibility to work as part of a team and independently
• mathematical abilities
• a strong sense of organization
• mechanical aptitude