Go to a local hardware store. See how many different tools there are for each job. Pick the area of the store that interests you most and ask an employee more about the tools there.

Visit a hardware store and look around.

Try these quick projects from Khan Academy that you can do at home. Build a simple motor, a ping pong ball launcher, or something else from the list!

Develop mechanics knowledge with hands-on projects!

Interested in learning more about machine technology? Check out Machine Technology Instructor, Adam Balogh's, engaging videos on YouTube. 

Check out the YouTube channel, Machine Tech Video Blog!

The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

Maintenance Workers, Machinery

Lubricate machinery, change parts, or perform other routine machinery maintenance.

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Realistic

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

Conventional

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

Investigative

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

Enterprising

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Artistic

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Social

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Industrial Machinery Installation, Repair, and Maintenance Workers

Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations

Other Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations

Dismantle machines and remove parts for repair, using hand tools, chain falls, jacks, cranes, or hoists.

Reassemble machines after the completion of repair or maintenance work.

Record production, repair, and machine maintenance information.

Lubricate or apply adhesives or other materials to machines, machine parts, or other equipment according to specified procedures.

Install, replace, or change machine parts and attachments, according to production specifications.

Set up and operate machines, and adjust controls to regulate operations.

Collaborate with other workers to repair or move machines, machine parts, or equipment.

Read work orders and specifications to determine machines and equipment requiring repair or maintenance.

Inspect or test damaged machine parts, and mark defective areas or advise supervisors of repair needs.

Start machines and observe mechanical operation to determine efficiency and to detect problems.

Management information systems MIS

SAP software

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Computerized maintenance management system software CMMS

Microsoft Office software

Microsoft Word

Web browser software

Database software

Scheduling software

Dial calipers

Vernier calipers

Bench saws

Cutoff saws

Hacksaws

Power hacksaws

Abrasive rubbing stones

Dial indicators

Manlifts

Drill presses

Lockout hasps

Rigging equipment

Welding tips

Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

Every day

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

A lot of freedom

Some freedom

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

Once a week or more but not every day

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

Continually or almost continually

More than half the time

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

Constant contact with others

Contact with others most of the time

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

Once a year or more but not every month

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

Extremely important

Very important

Important

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

Maintenance Workers, Machinery

Overview

Career

What Maintenance Workers, Machinery Do

Other Job Titles Maintenance Workers, Machinery May Have

Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

Maintenance Workers, Machinery

Overview

Career

What Maintenance Workers, Machinery Do

Other Job Titles Maintenance Workers, Machinery May Have

Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

Education

Level of Education Attained by Maintenance Workers, Machinery

Majors Related to Career

Related Leaders