Elevator Installers And Repaires

Elevator Installer and Repairer

I chose an elevator installer because it's a trade you don't here of often and from what I have heard they have it pretty good I have thought about going into the trades and this is one I have thought about joining. Elevator installers and repairers assemble, install, replace, and repair elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other similar equipment. To become an Elevator Installer or Repairer you must complete an apprenticeship program, be at least 18 years old, and have a High School degree. The apprenticeship program is directed through an employer and a union. A trainee will have to complete on the job training along with classroom instruction in blueprint reading, electrical and electronic theory, hydraulics, mathematics, applications of physics, and safety. After their apprenticeship is over, the trainee will be on probation for about 6 months, and work to get full qualification. This can take 4 to 5 years. To be fully qualified, you must pass an exam administered by the NEIEP. The average salary of Elevator Installers and Repairers in 2005 was $58,000. Some of the safety hazards of being an elevator installer are falls, electric shock and muscle strains. Many times you have to work in cramped quarters but usually you are out of the weather unlike many of the building trades. Some cool tools that you get to work with are harnesses for moving around in elevator shafts and you get to work with some really big hydraulic systems with some projects. The job outlook of elevator installers is ok there is lots of competition for jobs in this trade because it isn't expanding and not many of the older workers are retiring.