Doing it right. Worthy of the Title.

I believe that the general occupation title Tradesperson as applied to those who maintain industrial systems and machines is a bit weak in its capability to communicate the complexity and importance of the work. There is indeed science involved in industrial maintenance work and so perhaps the title Para-engineer or Machine Medic carries more of the reality of the job today. There is a science to understanding the sounds that machines make and the noises that indicate that a problem is developing. Vibrations, odors and heat levels all come in to play as well for an observant machinery doctor. Diagnosis of system problems involves a sound scientific approach and often utilizes sophisticated tools and data analyzers.

Art vs. Science

On the other hand, machinery maintenance is also an art. Working with components, materials and tools requires an artful approach. Without question there is art in great installation and parts replacement work. Perhaps the title of Artisan or Craftsperson captures these finer points. I have always admired neat wiring and layout work in a cabinet where a contactor or variable frequency drive was just replaced. It means the Electrician cared enough to do her best work. When I observe a Millwright polish the end of a machine shaft by hand before installing a new bearing I know that this person wants this service job to last.

Lack Lustre?

The sub-titles of Machinist, Millwright, Industrial Mechanic, Heavy Duty Mechanic, Industrial Electrician, Instrument Technician and so on bring more focus and specialty to the title. Though in some industrial environments, these titles have lost their luster and may instead refer merely to compartmentalized thinking where one group is segregated from another. In some cases the segregation is so extreme that there are separate lunch rooms for the different trade titles. A sense of responsibility and ownership is often left adrift among such groups. Blame and disdain for trade groups other than your own is not discouraged in some of these industrial cultures.

Pride in Workmanship

Whatever the title is, let it inspire all who work in the field of industrial maintenance to feel and fuel a sense of pride within,...the pride that comes from stretching to learn your chosen craft to its very highest level. I believe that this level of pride is the right of someone who accepts that there is more to learn and has some ongoing training plans in place. This person also respects the knowledge and skills acquired by others with senior experience in their chosen trade and in other trades within the plant.

Doing the job right, even re-doing it if need be and accepting responsibility for the learning that was needed between the first and second attempt is the sign of someone who desires to master the trade.