Lift engineer
Lift engineers install, service and repair lifts, escalators and moving walkways.
Also known as: Lift service technician, escalator engineer
- Starter salary£22,000 a year
- Experienced£45,000 a year
- Typical hours40 to 45 a week
What you'll do
As a lift engineer, you would:
- interpret wiring and layout diagrams on jobs
- install and calibrate lift control systems
- refurbish interiors, panel displays, lighting and message systems
- service and repair customer lifts and escalators
- carry out safety checks and record results
- respond to emergency breakdown call-outs
- produce risk assessment reports and legal and insurance documents
Working environment
You could work at a client's business.
Your working environment may be cramped, dirty and you'll travel often.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- practical skills for repairing and maintaining equipment
- problem-solving skills
- customer service skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of public safety and security
- persistence and determination
- the ability to work well with your hands
- the ability to work on your own
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become a lift engineer
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
College
You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need to get a trainee position.
Relevant courses include:
- maintenance engineering technology
- building services engineering
- mechanical or electrical engineering
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an apprenticeship with a lift repair company, for example:
- Stairlift, Platform Lift and Service Lift Electro-Mechanic Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Lift and Escalator Electro-Mechanic Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Work
You may be able to join a lift engineering company as a new starter and do on-the-job training through the Lift and Escalator Industry Association .
As your career develops you could go on to complete a Higher National Certificate and Diploma in Lift and Escalator Technology .
Direct application
You can apply directly to employers if you've got relevant qualifications and experience in electrical, electro-mechanical or building services engineering.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could move into:
- supervisory management
- project management
- lift engineering design
- technical sales
- safety inspection
You could also use your skills to work in the wider building services engineering sector.
Career tips
You may need to travel to other parts of the country for some commercial and industrial contracts.
Guides for this industry
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