Industrial maintenance mechanics keep modern manufacturing and industrial facilities running smoothly by installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing complex production equipment. Mountain Gateway Community College’s NCCER Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Program delivers a comprehensive four-level curriculum designed for workforce entry and career advancement in assembly plants, paper mills, power generation facilities, and advanced manufacturing environments. Fully aligned with National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) standards, this program complies with U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Related Technical Instruction (RTI) guidelines for registered apprenticeships.
Program at a Glance
| Program Aspect | Details |
| Award / Credential | NCCER Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Credentials (Levels 1 through 4) |
| Apprenticeship Status | Complies with U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Apprenticeship RTI Standards |
| Core Focus | Mechanical Drives, Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Pumps, Alignment & Rigging |
| Industry Applications | Advanced Manufacturing, Power Generation, Assembly & Industrial Plants |
| Funding Eligibility | FastForward Eligible (Pays 2/3 of tuition for eligible VA residents) |
| Instructor | Walt Johnson — wjohnson@mgcc.edu | (540) 863-2845 |
| Career Coach | Robin Jennings — rjennings@mgcc.edu | (540) 863-2899 |
💰 FastForward Financial Assistance Available — Pay Only 1/3 Tuition
Qualifying Virginia residents can receive FastForward state funding, which covers two-thirds of the tuition cost for this high-demand skilled trade credential. Contact our FastForward Career Coach to verify eligibility and register.
What You Will Learn
Students progress through four comprehensive levels of hands-on technical training, developing precision mechanical skills and diagnostic problem-solving abilities:
- Industrial Safety & Hand/Power Tools: Master OSHA standards, lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE), precision measuring instruments, and trade safety.
- Mechanical Drives & Power Transmission: Install, align, and maintain belt drives, chain drives, gear assemblies, couplings, bearings, and drive shafts.
- Fluid Power Systems (Hydraulics & Pneumatics): Read fluid power schematics, inspect valves, troubleshoot hydraulic pumps, maintain pneumatic actuators, and replace seals/hoses.
- Pumps, Valves & Piping Systems: Inspect, service, and overhaul centrifugal pumps, positive displacement pumps, gate/globe/ball valves, and industrial piping networks.
- Precision Alignment & Equipment Maintenance: Perform laser/dial-indicator shaft alignment, dynamic balancing, equipment rigging/hoisting, vibration analysis concepts, and preventative maintenance scheduling.
Industry Credentials & Apprenticeship Alignment
Completing the NCCER Industrial Maintenance Mechanic curriculum yields portable credentials recognized by industrial employers nationwide:
- National NCCER Automated National Registry System (ANRS) Transcripts & Cards (Levels 1–4)
- U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Apprenticeship Related Technical Instruction (RTI) Credit
- Preparation for Industrial Millwright & Maintenance Specialist Roles
Career Pathways
Industrial maintenance mechanics are vital to automated manufacturing, logistics centers, chemical processing, and energy utilities.
Potential Career Pathways:
- Industrial Maintenance Mechanic / Technician
- Millwright Apprentice / Specialist
- Plant Maintenance Mechanic
- Industrial Equipment Repair Technician
- Field Service Maintenance Engineer
Program Contact & Admissions
Ready to begin your industrial maintenance career or explore FastForward tuition assistance? Contact our Workforce Career Coach:
Robin Jennings — FastForward Career Coach
Phone: (540) 863-2899 | Email: rjennings@mgcc.edu
Office Location: Backels Hall, Clifton Forge Campus
MGCC Student Services Suite
Phone: (540) 863-2820 | Email: admissions@mgcc.edu
Location: Backels Hall, First Floor (Clifton Forge Campus)