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I’ve been thinking a lot about how we keep critical know-how from walking out the door when our most experienced teammates hang up their hard hats.

Last week I spoke with Facilities Dive about why apprenticeships are more than a hiring play—they’re a business strategy. In maintenance and reliability, 90 % of the craft is learned on the floor. But the context—the little tricks that make your facility run like your facility—never comes from a textbook. It comes from working shoulder-to-shoulder with someone who’s solved the problem a hundred times.

📖 Read the article: https://www.facilitiesdive.com/news/among-those-in-skilled-trades-high-hopes-renewed-focus-apprenticeships/748737/


We’re seeing leading ops teams formalize these programs with:

  • Structure. Clear learning paths tied to real work orders.

  • Committed mentors. Veterans who get time—and recognition—to teach.

  • Scalable content. SOPs, videos, and checklists that live where the work happens (shameless plug: MaintainX makes this easy).

AI is the next multiplier. Think: instant troubleshooting suggestions, auto-tagged best-practice videos, and personalized up-skilling plans—without losing the human element that makes apprenticeships stick.

Let’s discuss

Did an apprenticeship shape your career?
What should a “modern” program look like when AI is on the tools list?
Is your company running—or planning—one? Drop a comment ⤵️

When I started in maintenance, we were trained on the job. I worked closely with several other technicians, each for a period of time. They then cut me loose to learn on my own and from my own mistakes. I always had contacts to assist if I needed them, but when working overnights, it’s difficult to get people to answer. 

I believe AI can revolutionize maintenance departments and programs. I am old school and have been forced to learn and implement it. I have a good bunch of “young guys” (pardon the characterization) in our company that have grown up with electronics and have helped me exponentially. They are the ones implementing the AI and training me to use it. I look forward to the future when I can utilize it to the potential that is there.

As far as a program where I am now. We have a very small crew to keep our assets running and complete projects. I have a full time tech who is knowledgeable, but also knows when to come to me for assistance. He uses manuals and internet to get as far as possible, but like all of us, he needs help sometimes.

I also have a seasoned maintenance man part time. He has been a valuable asset. I have bounced ideas off him and he has done the same with myself and my tech. We all can learn from the most unlikely people.

I’m looking forward to training the upcoming technicians and passing on my knowledge and experience. And I’m also looking forward to learning from them. I always listen, because sometimes people see things I don’t. And I would love to find a school, who trains maintenance techs, to hire more technicians.

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