Elevator mechanics use their knowledge of electrical mechanics, construction, and engineering in installing and troubleshooting elevators and similar equipment. To become an elevator mechanic, one must complete technical education and on-the-job training to learn and practice the trade skills of this type of profession.
Also called an elevator technician, an elevator mechanic must make sure that elevators, escalators, and moving walkways operate properly in private and public facilities. These technicians may also perform electrical tasks like repairing and connecting wires, reviewing blueprints, testing equipment, and understanding machinery specifications.
Methodology
The online elevator mechanic trade programs on our list are your best options! Each trade school was picked with these features in mind:
- Delivered in online and/or hybrid format; may require hands-on experience.
- Facilitated through easy-to-use learning management systems,
- Taught by instructors who themselves are seasoned elevator mechanics or experts in the trade career,
- Engages students in an elevator mechanic apprenticeship program for actual experience,
- Produces career-ready individuals fully equipped with the competency for success in the job,
- Prepares students for a bachelor’s degree that features an advanced curriculum in the field of elevator mechanics,
- Obtained proper accreditation to provide the quality of the programs and their adherence to standards of excellence,
- Receives positive reviews from academic resources, alumni, students, businesses requiring elevator mechanic expertise and organizations advancing the trade career.
Top 5 Best Online Elevator Mechanic Trade Schools
Lone Star College
- Location: North Houston
- Online Delivery Method: Hybrid
- Time it takes to complete: 1 year
- Completion Rate: 100%
- Types of Aid: Financial Aid, Grants, Loans, Scholarships
Lone Star College offers an online mechanical technical education non-credit fast-track program to allow future professionals in the elevator industry to gain the relevant skills necessary in the field. Mechanical technicians are required to work on and with equipment that integrates mechanics, electronics, hydraulics, pneumatics, computer controls, HVAC systems, elevator and escalator systems, and more.
- This pre-apprenticeship program is a fast-track training program with in-depth training that relates to system designs, industrial controls, industry codes, as well as products and devices aimed at achieving an optimal balance between mechanical and technical structure and its overall control.
- This certificate will earn students 12 credit hours towards any field service technical education or continuing education.
- The courses provide students with the needed training to sit for the certification exam for production technicians. This CET certification will recognize students who demonstrate mastery of the core curriculum, competencies, and courses of advanced manufacturing production.
Kent State University
- Location: Kent, Ohio
- Online Delivery Method: Online
- Time it takes to complete: 273 hours
- Completion Rate: undisclosed
- Types of Aid: none
Kent State University offers online courses and certificates on industrial maintenance training. This nationally recognized online program is designed to meet individual and organizational needs. This online certificate program has three tracks: electrical, mechanical, and multi-craft; each consisting of a wide variety of short online courses that include written and audio instruction, quizzes, laboratory sessions, video demonstration, and final tests.
- These programs can be customized specifically for each student’s needs, and open enrollment courses can be accessed 24/7.
- The online electrical industrial maintenance course provides electrical maintenance technicians, elevator mechanics, and other industrial workers with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills, training, and ability they need to equip themselves to be successful in the field.
- Completing this online certification course will help students gain skills in industry codes, basic electrical safety, power tools, and other fundamentals in electrical protection, process control, and instrumentation.
McHenry County College
- Location: Crystal Lake, Illinois
- Online Delivery Method: Online
- Time it takes to complete: 32 weeks
- Completion Rate: undisclosed
- Types of Aid: none
McHenry County College has several online certificate programs, including the industrial maintenance technician certificate. This certificate gives students a strong knowledge and foundation on everything about the industrial world– from mechanical drives to motor controls to elevator and escalator installation and troubleshooting, pneumatics, hydraulics, and other related safety procedures.
- The education and experience requirements from this certificate program allow students to be prepared for on-the-job training, an apprenticeship program, or an associate degree program.
- After successful completion of this certificate, students become proficient and multi-skilled individuals who rapidly install, troubleshoot, and assemble any type of modern machinery and automated systems.
What makes this certificate program unique is that the school is closely working with the local industrial field to design a specific curriculum that addresses the necessary skill sets students are expected to develop.
Sacramento City College
- Location: Sacramento, California
- Online Delivery Method: Online
- Time it takes to complete: undisclosed
- Completion Rate: undisclosed
- Types of Aid: financial aid, grants, scholarships
Students who wish to learn about the practical and theoretical applications of basic mechanical systems in the industrial mechanical field can take advantage of Sacramento City College’s online industrial maintenance technician certificate. This certificate program will also include studies in compressed air systems, elevator systems, conveyor systems, principles of power transmissions, and more.
- After successful completion of this program, students should be able to demonstrate practical problem-solving skills and analytical thinking skills. They should also demonstrate a practical application of the basic mechanical systems used in mechanical and industrial fields.
- As future industrial technicians, students must know how to properly troubleshoot machinery, and ensure they can also perform preventive maintenance services.
University of Massachusetts Lowell Online
- Location: Lowell, Massachusetts
- Online Delivery Method: Hybrid
- Time it takes to complete: undisclosed
- Completion Rate: undisclosed
- Types of Aid: federal financial aid, scholarships, loans
Students who wish to have a lucrative career in designing, testing, or manufacturing electrical software and hardware will love UMass Lowell Online’s hybrid certificate in electronic engineering technology. This certificate teaches students about the fundamental laws, mathematical analysis and conversion techniques of alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) circuits.
- Students can advance their understanding of passive filters, industry codes, three-phase systems, theory vs simulation, transformers, or design analysis.
- To qualify for the program, students must submit their GED, high school diploma or transcript, or their most recent college records.
- This online certificate program can be used for an associate program or a bachelor of science in electronic engineering technology degree.
What is an Elevator Mechanic?
An elevator mechanic specializes in the maintenance, installation, and repair of elevators, escalators, and other forms of vertical transportation systems. These highly skilled professionals are the ones responsible for such a system’s safe and efficient operation in hospitals, residential complexes, shopping centers, and commercial buildings.
The task of elevator mechanics is plenty. On top of installing new elevator systems, they should also ensure that proper wiring, assembly, and alignment of all the mechanical components of the system are in place. These mechanics also conduct routine maintenance, inspections, and servicing to keep elevator systems working in optimal condition.
When they encounter problems, they diagnose issues using diagnostic equipment and tools and then troubleshoot what needs to be repaired or replaced. Elevator mechanics also perform modernizations and upgrades to meet safety regulations and codes, as well as improve reliability and efficiency.
The median annual pay of elevator installers and repairers is $99,000, according to the Labor Statistics Bureau. However, employment in the elevator industry is projected to show little or no change from 2022 to 2023. But even with the limited employment growth, there is an opening of about 2,100 jobs for elevator and escalator installers each year.
What Do Elevator Mechanics Do?
The duties and responsibilities of elevator mechanics usually include:
1. Installation and Testing
A certified elevator technician is responsible for installing new elevator systems. These technicians assemble and install electrical circuits and wiring, mechanical components, and control panels based on blueprints and specifications. After installation, elevator contractors then conduct extensive testing to ensure alignment, proper operation, and safety of the elevator system.
2. Repair and Maintenance
Elevator mechanics regularly perform maintenance tasks to ensure elevators are running efficiently and smoothly. This includes checking elevator systems, inspecting of the system for possible wear and tear, adjusting components as needed, and lubricating moving parts. These technicians also identify and troubleshoot issues like electrical malfunctions, mechanical failures, or sensor problems. They use diagnostic equipment and specialized tools to identify and resolve problems quickly.
3. Component Replacement
When elevator components become outdated, worn, or damaged, elevator contractors and mechanics are the ones responsible for replacing them. This usually includes replacing cables, control panels, motors, safety devices, doors, and buttons. These professionals also ensure that these new components are installed and calibrated properly to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the elevator system.
4. Safety and Code Compliance
Elevator mechanics play a critical role, especially in ensuring elevator passengers are safe all the time. They regularly conduct safety procedures and inspections, make necessary adjustments, perform tests, and comply with local codes and regulations. They need to ensure
5. Documentation and Record Keeping
Elevator mechanics keep documents and records of repairs, maintenance, and inspections done on elevators. They keep track of the parts replaced, work completed, and further recommendations for future maintenance. Through accurate documentation, elevator technicians can easily keep track of the system’s maintenance history and ensure the elevators are compliant with regulatory requirements.
6. Customer Service
The elevator industry entails lots of interaction between technicians and building owners, elevator passengers, and property managers. Elevator technicians answer questions, respond to service calls, and provide guidance on elevator maintenance and overall elevator use.
Types of Elevator Mechanics
There are different types of elevator mechanics, with each type specializing in different areas of elevator installation, repair, and maintenance. Here are some of the most common.
- Installation Mechanics specialize in the installation of new elevator systems and are responsible for installing and assembling the electrical and mechanical components of elevators.
- Maintenance Mechanics focus on the maintenance and servicing of elevators. They do routine adjustments, lubrication, or inspection to ensure the efficient and smooth operation of elevators.
- Modernization Mechanics emphasize modernizing and upgrading existing elevator systems. They evaluate outdated or older elevators and recommend improvements to enhance energy efficiency, reliability, and safety.
- Repair Mechanics are experts in repairing and diagnosing malfunctioning elevators. These mechanics troubleshoot issues, respond to service calls, and fix electrical, electronic, and mechanic problems.
- Controller Technicians specialize in the electrical circuits and control systems of elevators. They are highly skilled in testing, programming, and troubleshooting elevator controllers which regulate the operation and movement of elevators.
Elevator Mechanic Workplace
An elevator mechanic’s workplace will vary depending on their particular employment setting and scope of work. But the most common workplaces where you can find elevator mechanics are:
Construction Sites
Elevator technicians are common in construction sites, especially during the installation phase of buildings. They work with construction teams and follow specifications and blueprints to install and assemble new elevator systems. In construction sites, the work environment can be dynamic and may sometimes involve working in various weather conditions at different heights.
Service Centers
You can easily find certified elevator mechanics in repair shops or service centers dedicated to elevator repairs and maintenance. These centers are equipped with diagnostic equipment, tools, and workstations for servicing elevators. Mechanics in these centers conduct inspections, perform routine maintenance, assess and repair elevator malfunctions, and if needed, perform component replacement.
Commercial Buildings
Elevator mechanics may be hired by building owners or property management companies to maintain their elevators. These mechanics visit different sites like shopping centers, office buildings, hotels, or hospitals, to perform inspections, routine maintenance, or repairs on elevators. Most commercial buildings have dedicated elevator machinery or service rooms where technicians can access the elevator equipment.
Elevator Manufacturing Companies
There are elevator mechanics who are directly working for elevator manufacturing companies. They are involved in the assembly, quality control, and testing of new elevator systems before they are sent to installation sites. These mechanics make sure that these elevators meet industry standards and are working properly before they are finally delivered to customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the certifications needed to become a certified elevator technician?
The National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC) and the National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP) are the certifying bodies for those who wish to become a Certificate Elevator Technician (CET), Certified Accessibility and Private Residence Lift Technician (CAT), and Qualified Elevator Inspectors (QEI).
Is an apprenticeship program necessary to be an elevator mechanic?
Most states require elevator mechanics to complete an apprenticeship program so they can learn relevant skills in the industry. These mechanics can apply for apprenticeships with contractors, unions, and other industry or business associations.
As an apprentice, elevator technicians become more proficient in various areas, including electrical safety, wiring, and circuits, blueprint reading, safety protocols, elevator equipment and machinery, and electrical theory.
Is there still room for advancement after completing a certificate in elevator mechanics?
If you are interested in training or teaching jobs or you wish to hold a supervisory position, additional training programs and certifications can go a long way. As new technology continues to evolve, you can complete your continuing education and learn new equipment and software. It also helps to go for a more specialized career path in valve adjusting, hydraulics, escalators, or moving walkways.
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