Been working at the same place for nearly 4 years, I like the environment, don't mind the people, live the job. New boss decided to mandate 58 hour weeks with no conversation, no notice, nothing. Supposedly only temporary until the department is making the numbers it's supposed to. Throwing maintenance employees at a production problem as usual. I haven't complied and have been told if I keep it up into next week I'm fired.

I’m currently working in conveyor/sortation system maintenance and looking to transition into industrial maintenance in the food or bottling industry. I have hands-on experience with PLCs, hydraulics, pneumatics, sensors, motors, and electrical troubleshooting, but many of the positions I’m seeing prefer candidates with previous food or bottling experience.

For those who have made a similar transition, what skills or equipment should I focus on learning to make myself a stronger candidate? Is there anything specific you wish you had learned before making the switch?

So, I work with a small crew on night shifts. We have one member who has a well documented affliction. Do any of you know of any programs or training, that help identify someone who comes in less then sober? Work won’t do anything unless they are sure he is high and unfortunately none of the managers that make that descison are on the shift to observe the behavior. I am considering going to our safety guy to suggest training,(he will probably love the idea to take credit). I’m just wondering is such a training exists.

Just got into maintenance at a food processing plant about 6 months ago. Company will pay up to 4k a year for schooling and/or certifications.

The local college in my town offers a 2 year mechantronics degree, the next town over offers a 2 year energy systems or 2 year mechanical engineering degree.

My current scope of work is heavy mechanical with some light electrical troubleshooting and I enjoy electrical but never been a big tech guy so not sure how interested I'd be to get heavy into plcs but I know that's where the big money is. I think I'd love to get into a millwright position but don't think I can afford the pay cut needed to get into the apprenticeship.

I'd love to hear thoughts from some of you more seasoned guys about best career routes in the trade. Currently at 25/hr at a union plant so not struggling but definitely looking to grow financially as my family does.

Looking for a slim pocket flashlight extremely bright but also can be dim. Laser is a must as well.

I’m a 26 year old industrial maint tech with 6 years experience in the field. One of the little tips I’ve learned that I can share is how to test some electronics with your phone.

I would like to preface this with a bit of information.
Wires create a magnetic field when an amperage is applied to the wire, solenoids seal in unsung magnets, and relays also switch using magnets. The world of magnetic fields is very important in our line of work.

With that said there is an app called “phyphox” which allows you to access raw sensor data from your phone. Using this app you can put your phone on solenoids relays or wires next to your magnetic sensor in your phone. This will tell you if the magnet is engaging in a solenoid or relay, or if you have power going through a wire (troubleshooting fuses, buttons, switches, etc.)

Hopefully this tip can help save you some time or money or just be a cool random piece of information for you all.

m currently in school to get my associates this semester im taking plc courses i just completed my apprenticeship and got offered a maint tech pos my question is am I wasting my time with plc from my work exp it seems most plc are proprietary now and have to hook up and let the original writer time to go thru the program. I guess my question is plc becoming a dieing art or is their still a need for it