Industrial Machinery Maintenance Assistant

Course Description

ETI0450 – Industrial Machinery Maintenance Assistant is a clock-hour, workforce certificate course within the Engineering Technologies / Industrial Systems Technology taxonomy. It provides entry-level training for careers in industrial machinery maintenance and repair. The course sequence places heavy emphasis on industrial safety, foundational manufacturing mathematics, blueprint and schematic reading, mechanical systems, and basic electrical theory. Students who complete the full Occupational Completion Point (OCP-A) sequence are prepared to sit for the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) certifications in Safety and Quality Practices and Measurements. The program is offered at multiple Florida technical colleges and is eligible for Florida financial aid programs.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of OCP-A (Industrial Machinery Maintenance Assistant), students will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and application of industrial safety standards, personal protective equipment (PPE), and OSHA regulations in a manufacturing environment.
• Apply industrial mathematics concepts relevant to manufacturing settings, including measurement, ratio, and basic applied math.
• Read and interpret blueprints, wiring schematics, and technical drawings used in industrial maintenance tasks.
• Select and safely operate common hand tools and power tools used in machinery maintenance.
• Identify and apply lifting and rigging techniques in compliance with safety standards.
• Explain the principles of mechanical drive systems and mechanical advantage as applied to industrial machines.
• Demonstrate foundational knowledge of electrical theory, including circuit concepts, and use a multimeter for basic test and measurement tasks.
• Use precision measurement tools accurately to inspect and evaluate components.
• Apply basic troubleshooting techniques and Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) to identify problems and propose solutions.
• Interpret and use Pareto charts and introductory Statistical Process Control (SPC) data to support quality decisions.
• Demonstrate entry-level proficiency aligned with the MSSC Safety and Quality Practices and Measurements certification standards.

Optional Outcomes

The following outcomes may be covered depending on the institution and course sequence:

• Perform basic sketching and technical drawing of machine components.
• Demonstrate introductory use of 3-D design software and 3-D printing for part visualization and prototyping.
• Complete elementary machining operations under supervision using standard machine shop equipment.
• Demonstrate introductory knowledge of workplace behavior, team building, conflict resolution, and active listening skills relevant to industrial environments.
• Identify environmental management practices relevant to industrial maintenance settings.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Industrial Safety Fundamentals – OSHA standards, PPE selection and use, hazard identification, lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures.
• Industrial Mathematics – Applied arithmetic, measurement conversions, fractions and decimals in a manufacturing context.
• Blueprint and Schematic Reading – Interpretation of engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, and schematic symbols.
• Hand Tool and Power Tool Safety and Selection – Identification, proper use, and maintenance of common tools.
• Lifting and Rigging – Safe rigging practices, load calculation fundamentals, and equipment inspection.
• Mechanical Drive Systems and Mechanical Advantage – Gears, belts, chains, pulleys, and the principles governing force and motion.
• Electrical Theory and Schematics – Voltage, current, resistance, Ohm's Law, series/parallel circuits, and schematic interpretation.
• Multimeter and Test Equipment Use – Measuring voltage, current, and resistance; continuity testing.
• Precision Measurement Tools – Calipers, micrometers, dial indicators, and proper measurement technique.
• Troubleshooting and Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) – Systematic diagnostic processes and structured problem-solving methods.
• Quality Tools – Pareto Charts and Statistical Process Control (SPC) – Data collection, charting, and interpreting variation in manufacturing processes.

Optional Topics

• Technical Sketching – Freehand drawing of parts and assemblies for maintenance documentation.
• 3-D Design and Printing – Introduction to CAD software and additive manufacturing for part replacement and visualization.
• Elementary Machining – Introduction to lathe, mill, or drill press operations under close supervision.
• Workplace Professionalism and Teamwork – Workplace behavior, team dynamics, conflict resolution, and communication skills.
• Environmental Management Systems – Basic environmental compliance and waste management practices in industrial settings.

Resources & Tools

• MSSC Safety Courseware – Official study materials for the MSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT) Safety module.
• MSSC Quality Practices and Measurements Courseware – Aligned to the MSSC CPT Quality module.
• OSHA Educational Materials – Freely available at osha.gov; General Industry standards (29 CFR 1910).
• Precision Hand Tools Lab Kit – Calipers, micrometers, dial indicators (institutional supply).
• Multimeters and Electrical Test Equipment – For hands-on circuit measurement labs.
• Blueprint and Schematic Sets – Sample industrial drawings used for reading and interpretation exercises.
• Machine Shop Equipment – Bench lathes, drill presses, and hand tools for machining exercises (where applicable).
• TABE Assessment – Required for program placement; administered within the first semester of enrollment.

Career Pathways

Graduates who earn OCP-A (Industrial Machinery Maintenance Assistant) are prepared to enter the workforce in entry-level industrial maintenance roles and to continue toward OCP-B (Machinery Maintenance Mechanic) with further coursework. Common career titles include:

• Industrial Machinery Maintenance Assistant – Entry-level support for maintenance teams in manufacturing plants.
• Maintenance Technician Trainee – Assisting senior mechanics with inspections, repairs, and preventive maintenance tasks.
• Production Technician – Supporting manufacturing line operations with a focus on equipment upkeep.
• Machine Operator – Operating and performing minor maintenance on production machinery.

With continued education leading to OCP-B and beyond, graduates may advance to roles such as Machinery Maintenance Mechanic, Industrial Maintenance Technician, or Maintenance Supervisor. Credits earned in this program may also be applied toward an Engineering Technology A.S. degree at participating Florida colleges.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

This course sequence is directly aligned to two nationally recognized Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) certifications:

• MSSC Safety Certification – Covers industrial safety practices, hazard recognition, and OSHA-aligned safety procedures.
• MSSC Quality Practices and Measurements Certification – Covers quality inspection methods, measurement tools, and process control basics.

Students should be aware of the following program requirements:

• Applicants must hold a standard high school diploma or GED.
• Students must be at least 18 years of age at time of enrollment.
• The Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) must be completed within the first semester of enrollment, or an allowable substitute must be presented.
• This program qualifies for Florida financial aid and the Florida Prepaid program.
• Completion of OCP-A is a prerequisite for ETI0456 (Machinery Maintenance Mechanic), the next step in the program ladder.