Industrial Maintenance Microcredentials

Industrial Maintenance specialists keep manufacturing and production equipment running smoothly. They install, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain a wide range of systems—including mechanical components, electrical controls, hydraulics, pneumatics, and automated machinery. Their work is essential to preventing downtime, ensuring safety, and keeping operations efficient. In short, they’re the problem-solvers behind the scenes who help keep modern industry moving.

Most entry-level Industrial Maintenance programs, including ours, don’t require prior experience—just a willingness to learn and an interest in how things work. A basic understanding of math and comfort using tools is helpful, but you’ll build the technical skills you need through hands-on training. If you’re reliable, enjoy solving problems, and like working with your hands, this could be a great fit for you.

Industrial Maintenance offers a variety of entry-level positions for those with foundational skills and microcredentials. Common roles include: 

• Maintenance Technician
• Industrial Maintenance Helper
• Machine Operator
• Facilities Technician
• Electrical or Mechanical Assembler
• Production Support Technician
• Automation Support Assistant

These roles often involve assisting with equipment repairs, performing routine maintenance, troubleshooting mechanical or electrical issues, and supporting skilled technicians—all while gaining valuable on-the-job experience that can lead to career advancement.

Yes! Industrial Maintenance offers strong opportunities for career growth. With hands-on experience and continued training, entry-level technicians can advance to roles like lead technician, maintenance supervisor, reliability engineer, or even plant manager. Earning stackable credentials and certifications—such as those from SACA— can accelerate advancement and open doors to higher-paying, specialized positions in a variety of industries.

Yes! Industrial Maintenance microcredentials are designed to build a strong foundation in core technical skills that are valuable across many career paths. As you earn stackable credentials, you’re gaining hands-on experience in areas like electrical systems, automation, and mechanical repair—skills that can open doors to roles in advanced manufacturing, robotics, engineering technology, facilities maintenance, and more. Many students use these credentials as a starting point to grow into higher-level technician roles or continue their education toward an associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Our Industrial Maintenance microcredentials are delivered through a combination of online learning and hands-on training. Students complete interactive e-curriculum modules online at their own pace, then apply those skills in person at Waubonsee’s Plano Campus, using state-of-the-art Amatrol equipment. This flexible format is designed to fit busy schedules while still providing the hands-on experience needed for real-world success.

Students in the Industrial Maintenance program train on Amatrol equipment, which is widely used in industry and designed to simulate real-world manufacturing environments. You'll work hands-on with systems that cover key areas like electrical wiring, motor controls, fluid power (hydraulics and pneumatics), mechanical drives, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). This equipment gives you practical, job-ready experience that mirrors what you’ll see on the shop floor—preparing you to confidently step into a variety of technical roles.

In the Industrial Maintenance program, you'll work with and learn about advanced, industry-standard equipment used in modern manufacturing and production environments. This includes:

• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
• Motor control systems
• Electrical wiring and sensors
• Hydraulic and pneumatic systems
• Mechanical drive systems
• Smart automation technologies

Training is hands-on using Amatrol equipment, which is widely used across the industry to simulate real-world systems. You'll gain experience troubleshooting and maintaining the types of technology employers use every day.

You can earn a SACA microcredential in as little as 8 weeks. Each credential is focused on a specific skill area, allowing you to build job-ready knowledge quickly and efficiently —so you can start working or advancing in your career sooner.

Stackable training refers to short, focused learning modules that build on one another over time. Each module teaches a specific set of skills and often results in an industry-recognized credential. As students complete multiple modules, they “stack” their credentials to qualify for more advanced roles, without needing to commit to a long-term program all at once. This flexible approach helps learners enter the workforce quickly and continue growing their skills while on the job.