Elevator Technician (Recession Proof)

Reading time: 4 – 6 minutes

Fixing elevators are as essential as breathing air. Most if not all of your buildings are at least 3 stories high have a elevator and when they break down they need to be fixed right away. Now most cats see that sign that says elevator out of service and see some white guy in some ditch tinkering and asking when does he expect it to be working. The world has become handicap friendly and we have moving sidewalks, escalators and of course a elevator for the lazy person who won’t even walk one flight to get to the 2nd floor.

For all the reasons listed above becoming a Elevator Technician is one of the best jobs to have during up times and down times and no matter where you happen to live.  The lowest elevator technician makes about 20/hr and some of the highest make 40/hr. The great thing about this industry is there will never be a time when your services aren’t in demand. The jobs are pretty much guaranteed through a union and it’s not like cats can learn this in High School. So all the way around if you have the license to fix elevators you are pretty much paid for life. Get up and move out of state you have a job. Get up and move to another country most likely you have a job.

How to become a Elevator Tech:

1. Most elevators installers and repairers learn their trade in an apprenticeship program administered by local joint educational committees representing the employers and the union—the International Union of Elevator Constructors.
2. Apprenticeship programs teach a range of skills and usually last 4 years
3. Programs combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction in blueprint reading, electrical and electronic theory, mathematics, applications of physics, and safety.
4. Many cities and States require elevator installers and repairers to pass a licensing examination. However, other requirements for licensure may vary. (Check your state)
5. Workers who also complete an apprenticeship registered by the U.S. Department of Labor or their State board earn a journey worker certificate recognized nationwide.
6. Applicants for apprenticeship positions must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and pass an aptitude test and a drug test. Good physical condition and mechanical skills also are important.
7. Jobs with many employers require membership in the union. To be considered fully qualified by the union, workers must complete an apprenticeship and pass a standard exam administered by the National Elevator Industry Educational Program.
8. The National Association of Elevator Contractors also offers certification as a Certified Elevator Technician (CET) or Certified Accessibility and Private Residence Lift Technician (CAT).

This is one of those Re-Tool during the Recession jobs that will make sure you and your family will never worry about what the banks do ever again. In fact you might fix the elevators of the banks who survive the next Great Recession.

Reasons to Become a Elevator Technician:

• The dangerous and physically challenging nature of this occupation and the significant training it requires that reduce the number of applicants and create better opportunities for those who apply aka only so many people actually see it through so there always a job.
• Job prospects should be best for those with post-secondary education in electronics or experience in the military aka if you got laid off with a degree or are fresh out the service they are looking for you.
• Elevators, escalators, lifts, moving walkways, and related equipment need to be kept in good working condition year round every year, so employment of elevator repairers is less affected by economic downturns and seasonality than employment in other construction trades.
• Over half of all the elevator techs are in a union so check out the union near you to get started

This is probably the best license to have in the United States because once you’re in you’re in! You probably can put on your whole family under you as a apprentice. In addition to free continuing education, elevator installers and repairers receive the basic benefits enjoyed by most other workers. So it’s a Lock all you have to do is get your ass up and pass the test!

ReTool, ReEducate & Realize that you need to move on and get the skills to survive!

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