To work as a building maintenance worker, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal training is required beyond high school. Some building maintenance workers take courses at professional-technical schools. They learn skills in trades such as plumbing and construction.

On-the-job training

Most building maintenance workers receive training on the job from an experienced worker. You begin by doing simple tasks such as fixing leaky faucets and changing light bulbs. Gradually you progress to more complex tasks, such as repairing machinery or creating parts. You need about one year to be fully trained in this occupation, although the length of training varies by employer. In large buildings that have maintenance crews, you may specialize in one type of repair. In smaller buildings that have only one worker, you need all-around skills.