Other installation, maintenance, and repair occupations

Most workers in this occupation learn their skills on the job.
Opportunities should be especially good for persons with some knowledge of electronics.

Employment is projected to grow faster than average.
Job prospects are expected to be excellent, particularly for those with training from an accredited technical school or with formal apprenticeship training.
Obtaining certification through one of several organizations is increasingly recommended by employers and may increase advancement opportunities.

Good job prospects are expected, with job openings continuing to outnumber jobseekers.
Individuals with formal training in appliance repair and electronics should have the best opportunities.
Overall employment is projected to grow more slowly than average, reflecting average growth among wage and salary workers and a decline among self-employed repairers.
Repairers of small household appliances usually are trained on the job, whereas repairers of large household appliances often are trained in a formal trade school, in a community college, or directly from the appliance manufacturer.

Highly skilled mechanics usually learn their trade through a 4-year apprenticeship program, while lower skilled maintenance workers receive short-term on-the-job training.
Employment is projected to grow more slowly than average, but applicants with broad skills in machine repair and maintenance should have favorable job prospects.
Unlike some manufacturing occupations, these workers usually are not affected by changes in production.

Line installers and repairers work outdoors; conditions can be hazardous.
Employers prefer applicants with knowledge of electricity and electronics obtained through experience or classroom training.
Overall employment is projected to increase more slowly than average, although a growing number of retirements should create very good job opportunities, especially for electrical powerline installers and repairers.
Earnings are higher than in most other occupations that do not require postsecondary education.

General maintenance and repair workers are employed in almost every industry.
Many workers learn their skills informally on the job; others learn by working as helpers to other repairers or to construction workers such as carpenters, electricians, or machinery repairers.
Job opportunities should be favorable, with many openings occurring as a result of turnover in this large occupation.

Training through apprenticeship programs, or through community colleges coupled with on-the-job training, generally lasts 4 years.
Despite projected slower-than-average employment growth, skilled applicants should have good job opportunities.
About 54 percent of millwrights belong to labor unions, one of the highest rates of membership in the economy.

Training requirements include a high school diploma and, in most cases, postsecondary education, coupled with significant on-the-job training.
Good opportunities are expected for most types of jobs.
Overall employment is expected to grow about as fast as average, but projected growth varies by detailed occupation.
About 1 out of 6 are self-employed.

Fatalities

2004 Fatal occupational injuries by occupation and event or exposure

Occupation	Fatalities: Event or exposure
Occupation	Total	Tran.	Viol.	Cont.	Falls	Expo.	Fires
Other installation, maintenance, and repair occupations	206	43	4	41	52	51	15

source: Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities Program; about this section