I’m on a couple of list now and about to be on a third. I have a Civil Engineering degree and think I would enjoy the elevator industry. However I’m not sure exactly where I fit in. I have little engineering experience and thought becoming a mechanic would be a great way to enter the industry. My plan is to become a mechanic and if I like it great but if I don’t or later down the line it beats my body up I would like to have options. In my last interview they said it’s not easy anymore to move from the field to management or engineering positions. Is that true? Any suggestions or advice would be great.

Moving from mechanic to engineer is nearly impossible. Moving from Mechanic to supervisor is almost as hard.

Think of it this way. It will take you at a complete minimum 4.5 years to become a mechanic. This is if you get hired and start classes after the 6 month probationary classes (Ignoring Temporary Mechanic status). This is the starting point.

Now, to become a supervisor you have to become respected in the office, one of "their" guys. how you go about this can alienate you. They will approach you, but most likely they'll hire from some other company to fill that role.

To become an engineer: 0.0000000000000000000001% chance. It's "there" but not really (At least not from the field). You could apply at a company to be an engineer after working in the field, but they are not Union, and are not compensated as well. So kiss your benefits and pension goodbye (This occurs with being a supervisor, too. And you have to turn in your union card).

I know of a guy who is essentially an elevator Guru, can do just about everything in the trade and has an engineering background he got a job as a field engineer with another company, but I think that he was taken for a ride and will never be an engineer, but was stolen away to hurt business.

Hog451 thanks for your response. If I can pick your brain a little more I have some more questions. I hear from mechanics that it’s a great and they love doing the job. Why would people choose to give up pay and benefits to “move up”? Does the job getting boring or does it take a huge toll on your body? How long have you been a mechanic? Do you like or love you going to work? Would you ever consider management, if the opportunity were to present itself? Also do you still find the job challenging? One last thing, with the little information you know about me, what would you do? Thanks again.

I pm'd you.