Online Building Maintenance Degrees
Building maintenance technicians will be responsible for any number of repairs. Their work will require them to operate both indoors and outdoors. Building technicians may work as part of a team or they may work independently, such as building superintendents do. They may be responsible for the maintenance of a single location, such as a particular office building, or for the maintenance of a group of buildings scattered among different locations.
If you are afraid of heights or if you have trouble with heavy lifting, then you should probably look for another occupation unless you are willing to put in some hours lifting dumbbells or talking through your phobia with a therapist. The work of building technicians often requires them to climb ladders (e.g., when attending to overhead lighting) and to move heavy objects. Although the majority of building technicians work 40-hour work weeks, there are some that remain on-call during weekends or after hours in case they need to complete emergency repairs.
As a building technician, you will be responsible for a variety of tasks, so you will need a wide skill set. For example, building technicians will be called to deal with plumbing, electrical, and heating and air conditioning problems. Additionally, building technicians must restore buildings from any damage carried out by the natural elements or human traffic. This means that as a building technician, you might be required to repair a roof so as to prevent leaks or to paint a wall that has been victim to the artistic expression of a 5-year-old. There is no doubt that this job will surely put your mechanical and problem-solving skills to the test.
- All
- Associate
- Certification
| School | School Type | Annual Tuition | Recommend Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penn Foster College | For-Profit | --- | 65% (107 reviews) |
| Penn Foster Career School - Vocational Programs | For-Profit | --- | 100% (1 review) |
| Ashworth College | For-Profit | --- | 71% (59 reviews) |
What are some of the specializations within this degree program?
- Electrical: With this specialization, you will keep the electrical wirings and the energy flowing through them in order. With so many technological gadgets and instruments in possession, people are more dependent on reliable electrical systems than they ever have been before.
- Plumbing: Everyone knows that water is an essential part of living, so people panic when their plumbing systems go awry. This specialization will teach you of the complexities of plumbing so that you know how to address any issue that surfaces.
- Heating and Air Conditioning: This specialization will help you to ensure that buildings are kept at comfortable temperatures. Residents will be especially appreciative of your services during the winter and summer months.
What degree levels are available?
- Certification: approximately 35 to 40 weeks to complete
- Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
- Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
What are the educational and certification requirements?
There are no formal educational requirements that you must complete in order to begin working as a building technician, but most employers prefer that you have at least completed high school or obtained a GED. As a building technician, most of your training will be acquired on the job. Most likely, you will start out working under the supervision of a skilled building technician. Then after some time, you will have obtained the knowledge and skills to complete the tasks yourself. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) proposes that anyone will need at least seven months before he or she can be considered a fully qualified building technician. (BLS)
For building technicians looking to enhance their knowledge of the practice, there are degrees offered in building maintenance technology or building construction. With these subjects, you can either obtain a certificate, associate, or bachelor's degree to become a more knowledgable worker and eventually begin to practice independently. Because building technicians will be required to address a number of different maintenance issues, they are expected to possess working knowledge of plumbing, electric systems, and heating and air conditioning.
Three levels of certification as a building technician are offered through the International Management Institute. To achieve certification, you must pass a closed-book written exam that assesses your knowledge of issues that you are likely to encounter during the course of your work. For example, the Certified Maintenance Technician I examination (the most basic level of certification) will test your knowledge of blueprint reading, schematics, and symbols; making measurements; using portable power tools and hand tools; and developing troubleshooting skills. (IMI)
Lastly, depending on the state in which you work, you may have to obtain a specialized license in order to work as a building technician.
What kinds of classes will I be expected to take?
While you are pursuing a particular degree for a building maintenance technology program, you can expect to take courses in health and safety, electricity and plumbing, sheet metal, code compliance, heating and air conditioning, and more. Much of the coursework will be similar to that tested during the International Management Institute certification exams.
Is on-site training required if I pursue this degree online?
Yes, most online programs for building technician will require you to spend some time working under the direct supervision of an experienced technician.
What are some other degrees that are related to this program?
- Construction Management: This career will allow you to oversee construction projects and ensure that they are completed in an efficient manner by the crew. Rather than completing a lot of hands-on work, construction managers are responsible for many administrative tasks, such as hiring and training employees and ensuring that projects comply with safety standards.
- Plumbing Technology: After obtaining this degree, you will be responsible for outfitting and maintaining plumbing systems that are necessary for proper water, gas, and waste transport. If you plan on pursuing this career, you should also factor in the four- to five-year apprenticeship program that will be required to gain relevant skills.
- Home/Building Inspection: There is an incredible need for home and building inspectors to ensure that structures are safe to inhabit, either by residents, workers, or customers. A degree in home/building inspection will teach you all about safety codes and standards.
- Electrician: With this degree, you will learn to repair different forms of electrical wiring and circuits. To work in this field, you can either pursue an electrician apprenticeship, a bachelor's degree, or both if you are ambitious.
- Automotive Technology: With this degree, you can become employed at a dealership, vehicle manufacturer, or training school. Your coursework will cover general repair, details of specific makes and models, and more.
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It sounds like all you need to do is get a certificate in air conditioning maintenance and repair. As long as you are already in the New York area, one is available from SUNY Canton.
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