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If you are a problem solver who likes to tinker, consider a career as a Facilities Maintenance Technician. Facilities maintenance professionals keep buildings, equipment and machines in good working order. As a Facilities Maintenance apprentice, you’ll learn in-demand skills needed to excel in this growing field, including how to repair machinery, troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical issues. You’ll gain general maintenance skills as you work hands-on in various fields, including carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing and more.

  • Earn up to $23.51 per hour as an established facilities maintenance technician.
  • 5,200 hours of on-the-job training and 720 hours of classroom instruction provide a solid foundation for your future.
  • Begin a rewarding career with no student debt – in fact, you’ll get paid to attend classes!
  • In the last year of your apprenticeship, you’ll take a Transition-to-Trainer course to prepare you to share your skills with others and take on a position of leadership in your field. 

Qualifications

You must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or equivalent. You must also be physically able to do the job with reasonable accommodations and be able to get to and from the job and Gateway Technical College.

Get started as a Facilities Maintenance Apprentice

  1. You need to be in an apprenticeship program with your employer and should apply directly to employers, if you are not employed as an apprentice.  
    1. Gateway’s Career and Employment Services team can provide assistance.
    2. Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development (DWD) also offers employment information for prospective apprentices.
  2. If an employer wishes to hire you, they will submit an apprentice application to Wisconsin’s DWD. You will be given a credential notice if the DWD determines that you meet the Bureau of Apprentice Standards qualifications.
  3. You and your employer will submit the credential notice, the Apprentice Application (Form #1488) and the fee ($10.00) to the Department of Safety and Professional Services, P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI 53708-8935.
  4. The Department of Safety and Professional Services will issue the apprentice permit after the application is approved. You may begin to work after your permit is issued. Your permit will be valid for three (3) years.
  5. Once your permit is in place, Gateway’s Apprenticeship department will communicate with you regarding registration, classes and books. 

Curriculum Sheet:
pdf icon  50-481-1 Facilities Maintenance Technician Apprentice Curriculum Sheet.pdf

Career Pathway Map:
pdf icon  Facilities Maintenance Technician Apprentice Career Pathway Map.pdf