Where and How to Build a Career in Maintenance?

Maintenance professionals are in demand across various industries, each requiring specialized knowledge and expertise. Below are some of the most promising sectors for maintenance careers:

1. Manufacturing and Industrial Plants

• Maintenance technicians and engineers ensure that production lines run smoothly and minimize downtime.
• Common roles include Maintenance Technician, Reliability Engineer, and Maintenance Manager.
• Technologies such as predictive maintenance and automation are transforming this sector.

2. Energy and Utilities

• Maintenance teams are crucial in power plants, renewable energy sites, and water treatment facilities.
• Opportunities include Electrical Maintenance Engineer, Power Plant Technician, and Asset Manager.
• High demand for professionals with expertise in preventive maintenance and condition monitoring.

3. Transportation and Logistics

• Maintenance is critical in aviation, railways, and automotive industries to ensure safety and efficiency.
• Common positions include Fleet Maintenance Manager, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, and Railway Technician.
• Increased adoption of IoT and telematics is changing the way fleet maintenance is performed.

4. Facilities and Building Management

• Ensuring the operational efficiency of commercial buildings, hospitals, and schools.
• Jobs include Facility Maintenance Supervisor, HVAC Technician, and Building Engineer.
• Growing emphasis on sustainable building maintenance and energy-efficient systems.

Starting a career in maintenance can follow multiple routes depending on your background, education, and interests. Here are some common entry points:

1. Vocational training and certifications: Many maintenance professionals start their careers at technical schools or vocational training programmes. Obtaining specific certifications, such as Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE), can significantly increase your chances on the labour market.
 

• VDAB training: The Flemish Service for Employment Mediation and Vocational Training (VDAB) offers a wide range of training programmes for maintenance engineers. These courses are designed to teach you practical skills that can be applied directly in industry.
   
• BEMAS: BEMAS, the Belgian Maintenance Association vzw-asbl, is known as a provider of high-quality training in the field of maintenance and asset management. Thanks to the insights gained, hundreds of professionals have been helped to grow in their job and improve business results. They offer training as well as application programmes and training cycles. After completing the training, you will receive a certificate of participation that you can also share on LinkedIn.
   

2. Technical training: For those who want to specialise in management or engineering positions within the maintenance sector, a degree in mechanical, electrical or industrial engineering can be very valuable. These courses provide an in-depth understanding of technical systems and prepare you for managerial roles. Some examples:
 

• Postgraduate Asset Management (KU Leuven, Howest) – For professionals who want to optimise strategic maintenance management.
   
• Bachelor in Electromechanics: Several colleges in Belgium, such as Thomas More and UCLL, offer bachelor's programmes in electromechanics. These programmes combine both electrical and mechanical engineering principles and focus on the design, development and maintenance of various systems.
   
• Master in Industrial Sciences: Universities such as KU Leuven and Ghent University offer master's programmes in industrial sciences with specialisations in electromechanics or maintenance technology. These advanced programmes focus on research and development within the industrial sector and prepare you for strategic and managerial positions.
   

3. Work experience and internships: Practical experience is crucial in the maintenance sector. Many companies offer internships and entry-level positions where you can learn on the job and develop your skills.

• Structured training programmes: Large industrial companies often have extensive training programmes for new employees. These programmes combine theoretical knowledge with practical application and often offer guidance from experienced professionals.
   
• Internships through educational institutions: Many schools, colleges and universities have partnerships with companies, enabling pupils and students to do internships during their training. This offers an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience and build a professional network.

To thrive in the maintenance field, professionals need a combination of technical and soft skills.

1. Technical Knowledge

• Understanding mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
• Experience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
• Knowledge of predictive maintenance tools such as vibration analysis and infrared thermography.

2. Problem-Solving and Troubleshooting

• Ability to diagnose and repair equipment failures quickly.
• Applying Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to prevent recurring issues.

3. Safety and Compliance Awareness

• Familiarity with workplace safety regulations and industry-specific compliance standards.
• Training in hazard identification and risk assessment.

4. Communication and Teamwork

• Effective coordination with engineers, production teams, and management.
• Clear documentation and reporting of maintenance activities.

The maintenance field offers strong career progression opportunities, with paths leading to leadership roles such as Maintenance Supervisor, Asset Manager, and Reliability Manager.

Emerging Trends in Maintenance Careers

• Digitalization and IoT Integration: Increased use of sensor-based monitoring and AI-driven predictive maintenance.
• Sustainability Focus: Demand for professionals skilled in energy-efficient maintenance and sustainable asset management.
• Remote and Augmented Reality Training: The rise of virtual training and remote troubleshooting technologies.

Building a career in maintenance offers diverse opportunities across industries and provides long-term stability and growth. Whether you start with vocational training, an engineering degree, or on-the-job learning, developing key technical and problem-solving skills will help you advance in this essential field. With the increasing demand for reliability, efficiency, and digital transformation, now is a great time to explore a career in maintenance.