Mechanical Engineering Technician - Industrial Maintenance MIM

Holland Code: R (Realistic)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

The list below does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details..

Math & Science Strong math skills needed: students who do not have the required level of comfort and ability with math may want to consider Fanshawe’s Pre-Technology Program or Academic and Career Entrance program. High school courses in Physics would be beneficial preparation for this program.

Arts & Literacy Applicants should be able to communicate effectively in English (write professionally written reports).

Technology Basic computer skills form part of the program curriculum (Microsoft Office suite, email, Internet). Moderate use of student portal system, students need to check email and posts several times per week.

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Creative
• Enjoy figuring out problems
• Enjoy working with tools, equipment, instruments and machinery at tasks requiring precision
• Enjoy analyzing problems and finding innovative solutions
• Enjoy taking a methodical approach to their work
• Willingness to continuously update one’s education
• An aptitude for and interest in mathematics and science
• Detail oriented
• Good oral and written communication skills
• The ability to work with a variety of people in a team
• the ability to work under pressure of deadlines
• patience and persistence combined with good time management skills
• Reliable, dependable,  respectful
• Work with minimal supervision
• Enjoy “tinkering” with equipment

Useful background experience for this program would be

Training or co-operative experience in one of the following areas: Electricity, Electronics, Blueprint Reading, Machine Shop, Welding.

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become a

Mechanical Engineering Technician with an emphasis on Maintenance and Machine Installation. Many graduates also obtain their Certificate of Qualification for the Millwright trade after serving an Apprenticeship.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Usually work indoors in offices, shops or production departments; may occasionally work outdoors in unsheltered environments
• Short distance travel may be required when installing or servicing equipment
• May be required to lift equipment weighing up to 20 kilograms
• Often work as a member of team working on a particular project
• The intense concentration required and the pressure of deadlines can be stressful

Places you may find yourself employed include

Electrical utilities; millwright contractors, automotive manufacturing, tunnelling and drilling, consumer packaging (including canning, bottling and imaging), food and beverage production, urban transit, power generation, industrial equipment production and maintenance, consulting engineering companies, industrial, fabrication, manufacturing and construction companies, mechanical equipment sales companies, processing companies (for example, in the chemical, oil, gas, pipeline and food industries), or government and regulatory agencies.

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

• Work in the areas of: hydraulics, pneumatics, welding, machining, motor controls, programmable logic controllers and machine repair.
• Repair or maintain the operating condition of industrial production or processing machinery or equipment.
• Repair or replace broken or malfunctioning components of machinery or equipment.
• Disassemble machinery or equipment to remove parts and make repairs.
• Observe and test the operation of machinery or equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using voltmeters or other testing devices.
• Reassemble equipment after completion of inspections, testing, or repairs.
• Clean, lubricate, or adjust parts, equipment, or machinery.
• Examine parts for defects, such as breakage or excessive wear.
• Operate newly repaired machinery or equipment to verify the adequacy of repairs.
• Analyze test results, machine error messages, or information obtained from operators to diagnose equipment problems.
• Record parts or materials used and order or requisition new parts or materials as necessary.

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

Websites with good information for further research on the careers associated with this program

• Canadian Tooling and Machining Association (CTMA)
• Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME)
• Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT)
• Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT)
• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Opportunities for further development or education

• Graduates of this program will be eligible to write the Apprenticeship Certificate Exemption Tests related to the Industrial Millwright trade.
• Graduates may enter the Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (Millwright) Apprenticeship
• Graduates of this program may be eligible for advanced standing in other Mechanical Engineering programs throughout the Province
• Classification (NOC) system is used by the Canadian government to provide detailed information on careers. Click on the links below to learn more about careers associated with this Fanshawe College program. Please note: These codes are listed here for information purposes only. Fanshawe College does not guarantee graduates careers in these fields.

Last Modified: January 15, 2024