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Trades and Industrial Programs

Maintenance Technician

San Joaquin Valley College’s Maintenance Technician (M-Tech) program is designed to provide Maintenance Technician students with fundamental hands-on training on industrial systems and equipment.

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SJVC Maintenance Technician Student

REAL-WORLD SKILLS

With many classes to guide you, you’re certain to be prepared for your career.

START YOUR PATH

Earn a Certificate of Completion in as few as 7 months.

FLEXIBLE LEARNING OPTIONS

Conveniently available at 5 of our locations.

AFFORDABLE TUITION

Affordable tuition varies by program and location.
SJVC Maintenance Technician Program Details

Program Details

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

Students will study and master the basic principles, applications, concepts, and functions of hydraulic systems, bearing and seal types, and power transmission components.

Students in our Maintenance Technician program learn:

  • Programmable logic controllers
  • Motor control devices and wiring
  • Fluid power systems
  • Valves, actuators, and bearing applications

Courses* taken by our Maintenance Technician students include:

Industrial Electricity

This course is the study of the elements and applications of electricity that are common to any industrial facility. In strict accordance with the Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and National Electric Code (NEC), this course will introduce students to electrical theory with an emphasis in those energy sources developed for commercial and manufacturing use. Students will utilize mathematical skills to calculate values and solve electrical based problems and scenarios. Additional topics include troubleshooting and installing complex control circuits.

Power Transmission

This course is the study of industrial bearings, industrial drive gears and gear systems, belt and chain drives, shaft joining and coupling devices. Students will focus on the operation, maintenance, and safety of power transmission systems and devices.

Programmable Logic Controllers

This course presents basic concepts and applications of PLCs such as language, performing installation and diagnostic functions, using programming tools, basic communications, and logic operations. The practical instructions of this course are performed with Allen Bradley equipment and RSLogix software, both of which are predominantly used within the manufacturing industry.

COST & FINANCIAL AID

Education is the most important investment you can make in your future. There is a financial plan available for everyone, including a broad range of financial assistance options. Visit SJVC’s Net Price Calculator to get personalized information on college costs and financial aid. Check out SJVC’s Academic Catalog to learn about program costs by campus and credential level. You also can talk to an Admissions Advisor to discuss the costs of your chosen program and schedule an appointment with an experienced financial aid officer. Student loans, grants, and scholarships are available to those who qualify.

PROGRAM AVAILABILITY

SJVC’s Maintenance Technician program is available at the following campuses:

ACCREDITATION & APPROVALS

Institutional Accreditation
San Joaquin Valley College is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC),1080 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 500, Alameda, CA 94501, Phone: 510-748-9001, Fax: 510-748-9797

www.wscuc.org

The WSCUC is an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
State Approvals
CALIFORNIA

SJVC is a private institution and is approved to operate as an accredited institution by the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). Approval to operate means that SJVC has been found in compliance with the standards set forth in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 (as amended) and Title 5, Division 7.5, – Private Postsecondary Education of the California Code of Regulations. As a prospective student, you are encouraged to review this catalog prior to signing an enrollment agreement. You are also encouraged to review the School Performance Fact Sheet, which must be provided to you prior to signing an enrollment agreement.

A student or any member of the public may file a complaint about this institution with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education by calling (888) 370-7589 or by completing a complaint form, which can be obtained on the Bureau’s internet website (www.bppe.ca.gov).

View additional State Approvals for SJVC.

Continuing Education for Graduates

Trades Studies

Program Description

SJVC’s Trades Studies program may be completed in 25 weeks. The program is designed for trades professionals who want to advance their career and who have earned a certificate of completion in Electrical Technology; Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration; or Maintenance Technician from an institution of higher learning accredited by an agency that is recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Trades Studies Associate of Science degree affords excellent opportunities for professional growth and development through instruction in general education coursework designed to produce the competencies of higher education that employers expect of college graduates.

What Will I Learn?

PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLERS

POWER TRANSMISSION

INDUSTRIAL ELECTRICITY

FLUID POWER

Ready to Do This? 

Find your path as a Maintenance Technician

Talk to an admissions advisor about your options and earn your Certificate of Completion in as few as 7 months.

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Discover What it’s Like to Become a Maintenance Technician Student

Discover What it’s Like to Become a Maintenance Technician Student

“”
I’ve seen commercials of SJVC all my life, growing up, so I thought I’d check there. They were my first choice and I’ve never looked at anyone else.
Eduardo G.
2021 Graduate Maintenance Technician`

Career Opportunities

Maintenance technicians work in a variety of fields, all centered on machinery. They perform basic maintenance and repairs on machines. They check the performance of machinery, clean and lubricate them, perform basic diagnostics, and test damaged machine parts to determine whether major repairs are necessary.1
Machinery maintenance workers are tasked with following machine specifications and must adhere to maintenance schedules.
Day to day, an industrial maintenance mechanic job description may include being required to:2

  • Adjust and calibrate machinery and equipment
  • Clean and lubricate machinery or equipment
  • Detect minor problems by performing basic diagnostic tests
  • Disassemble equipment and machinery when there is a problem
  • Move equipment and machinery
  • Perform tests to make sure that machines are running smoothly
  • Read technical manuals to understand controls and equipment
  • Repair or replace malfunctioning or broken components
  • Test malfunctioning machinery to determine the need for major repairs

Here are more resources with information to prepare you for a career as a Maintenance Technician.

SJVC Maintenance Technician Career Opportunities

Check out our guide on Maintenance Technician

Machinery maintenance workers repair and maintain factory equipment and other industrial machinery.3

See Career Guide
SJVC Maintenance Technician Career Guides

Successful Grads

Ask one of our graduates about their SJVC experience and they’ll likely describe it as life-changing.

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Maintenance Technician FAQs

What is a programmable logic controller?
Programmable logic controllers (PLC) are tiny, yet durable, industrial computers whose internal logic has been customized to control and monitor different types of industrial equipment. Dealing with PLCs, power transmission, industrial electricity and fluid power are just a few of the things taught in Maintenance Technician programs for those who like working with their hands and have an interest in making machinery work.
What is a maintenance technician?
Maintenance technicians work on the machinery found in a number of industries, businesses and fields, from electronics to industrial equipment. Depending on their maintenance technician training, they can maintain existing equipment, replace older systems, perform repairs and more. Speaking of maintenance technician training, those who want to hit the ground running will pursue a structured education through comprehensive programs like those offered at SJVC.
What does a maintenance technician do?
Industrial-level machines require experienced and trained maintenance techs to continue to operate efficiently and reliably. Depending on the industry, a technician could work calibrating machines, keeping equipment clean, performing basic diagnostics, installing new machines, replacing broken components and more. SJVC offers a Maintenance Technician certificate program that can be completed in as few as seven months that offer the skills, insights and hands-on training for industrial systems and equipment that you could use to pursue a future in the maintenance tech field.
How does a hydraulic system work?
Hydraulic systems create fluid power. It uses a pump to pass fluid through the system before converting it back into mechanical energy. Dealing with fluid power, programmable logic controllers, power transmission and industrial electricity are covered in the Maintenance Technician certificate program at SJVC. This program can be completed in as few as seven-months. Once you have earned your Maintenance Technician certificate you can choose to pursue your associate degree by enrolling in theTrades Studies program. The Trades Studies Associate of Science degree program offers excellent opportunities for professional growth and development through instruction in general education coursework designed to produce the competencies of higher education that employers expect of college graduates.

Disclaimer

*Course listings are subject to change. Reference the SJVC College Catalog for the most current program information.

  1. www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/industrial-machinery-mechanics-and-maintenance-workers-and-millwrights.htm#tab-2
  2. www.upkeep.com/learning/maintenance-applications/industrial-maintenance
  3. www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/industrial-machinery-mechanics-and-maintenance-workers-and-millwrights.htm