How to become a Lift Mechanic
Lift mechanics assemble, install, adjust, maintain and repair electric and hydraulic freight and passenger lifts and escalators. An experienced lift mechanic is able to perform more complex work functions and tasks, such as adjusting and tuning lifts to make sure they work safely and efficiently.
Personal requirements for a Lift Mechanic
- Enjoy technical work
- Able to cope with the physical demands of the job
- Normal colour vision
- Able to work at heights and in confined spaces
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Aptitude in mechanical and electrical reasoning
- Able to work independently or as part of a team
Education & Training for a Lift Mechanic
To become a lift mechanic you usually have to complete an apprenticeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.
Additional information
Modern lifts are controlled by computers and complex electronic systems. As a result, there is an increasing need for lift mechanics to have a knowledge of electronics.After completing your apprenticeship, you will need to apply for a licence to perform electrical work.
Duties & Tasks of a Lift Mechanic
Lift mechanics:
- Study drawings and lay out the position of steelwork, guide rails, motors, pumps and cylinders
- Install lift guide rails and check that they are correctly aligned
- Install cables, counterweights, pumps, motor foundations, escalator drives, lift cars, doors, entrance frames, and safety and control devices
- Connect electrical wiring to control panels and electric motors
- Test and adjust assemblies, including cables, wiring and electric controls, and adjust safety devices such as brakes and speed governors
- Carry out regular maintenance programs on lifts and escalators
- Use laptop computers in the field for tuning and diagnostic work in fault finding
- Find the causes of faults in motors, brakes, switches, and electrical and electronic control systems
- Repair hydraulic or mechanical brakes by adjusting or replacing valves, ratchets, seals and brake linings.
Tasks
- Positions and installs electrical switchboards.
- Installs, tests and adjusts electric and mechanical parts of lifts.
- Tests continuity of circuit.
- Repairs and replaces faulty wiring and defective parts.
- Selects, cuts and connects wire and cable to terminals and connectors.
- Measures and lays out insulation reference points.
- Connects electrical systems to power supply.
- Examines blueprints, wiring diagrams and specifications to determine sequence and methods of operation.
- Uses instruments to trace and diagnose faults.
Working conditions for a Lift Mechanic
Lift mechanics working on installation and modernisation projects generally work in teams on building construction sites. In these instances they work closely with building and other specialist tradespeople. Lift mechanics may need to work weekends, on call or after hours to perform emergency repairs. They may also spend a great deal of time traveling to various locations.
Employment Opportunities for a Lift Mechanic
Lift mechanics are employed by companies that require specialised electrical and mechanical work to install, maintain, modernise, service and repair lifts, escalators and moving walkway systems.Maintenance and repair is an ongoing source of work. Installation jobs depend on the construction of new buildings.Job opportunities depend on the level of multistorey construction activity, changes to building regulations and replacement or repair requirements.
Specializations
Lift Mechanic
Lift mechanics assemble, install, adjust, maintain and repair electric and hydraulic freight and passenger lifts and escalators. An experienced lift mechanic is able to perform more complex work functions and tasks, such as adjusting and tuning lifts to make sure they work safely and efficiently.
Average age
39 years
Future Growth
Moderate
Gender Share
1% female
Average full-time
44 hours
Weekly Pay
$1,823
Skill level rating
Medium skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
95% Full-Time
Employment Size
3,000 workers
Employment by state
ACT: 1.8%
NSW: 38.1%
NT: 0.4%
QLD: 18.1%
SA: 4.2%
TAS: 1.1%
VIC: 27.0%
WA: 9.2%
Age brackets
15-19: 2.6%
20-24: 9.1%
25-34: 27.6%
35-44: 22.9%
45-54: 24.2%
55-59: 8.1%
60-64: 3.7%
65 and Over: 1.8%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 6.7%
Bachelor degree: 3%
Certificate III/IV: 75%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 0.3%
Year 10 and below: 4.5%
Year 11: 1.5%
Year 12: 9.1%
