Why Facilities Teams Are Investing in Building Maintenance Training

Written by Staff Writer

Building maintenance training is a comprehensive educational approach aimed at preparing individuals for careers as facilities maintenance technicians or helping professionals enhance their existing skills. 

These training options often include essential technical skills such as electrical systems, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), and appliance repair. Additionally, a significant component of this training involves safety protocols, including OSHA standards, ladder safety, and proper handling of building systems to ensure the safety of staff and the public.

Training Programs for Commercial and Residential Properties

Training programs for commercial and residential property maintenance encompass a range of formats, including online courses, certification programs, and hands-on technical training. These programs are designed to equip facilities teams with the necessary skills to manage and maintain properties effectively.

Technical and Trade Training

Longer programs, some 160 hours or more, provide comprehensive instruction in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, general carpentry, and safety/code compliance, like OSHA 10 and EPA 608 certification, which is required to service refrigerant-containing equipment. Specialized training also focuses on Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) software, facilities management, and maintenance reliability.

Property Management and Operations

Organizations like the National Center for Housing Management (NCHM) and the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) offer training focused on the operational side of property maintenance, including financial management, risk management, leasing, and resident services. Industry organizations like BOMA International offer specialized professional development courses that cover critical operational areas such as asset management, budgeting, and environmental health and safety.

Delivery Methods

Training is available through various platforms, including 24/7 online portals with interactive VR simulations, webinars, and structured multiweek career-readiness programs that may include technical certifications like a Minnesota special engineer boiler license.

Online and In-Person Training Options

Training programs for building upkeep are offered through both online platforms and in-person courses aimed at preparing individuals for roles as facilities maintenance technicians. Online courses deliver thorough instruction on key skills, including electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, appliance repair, carpentry, and managing work orders. Meanwhile, in-person options provide practical experience in areas such as electrical work and plumbing, often supported by community resources.

Pro tip: Make sure at least two people on your team can handle every critical system. When one tech is out sick or on vacation, cross-trained staff keep work orders moving and prevent small problems from turning into costly emergencies. Start with the systems that would cause the biggest disruption if they failed.

Encourage experts to narrate real-world scenarios, decision-making processes, and troubleshooting stories in their own words — then document these as living resources, such as annotated workflows, video walkthroughs, or Q&A sessions. 

Make this knowledge easily accessible and regularly updated, and foster a culture where sharing and refining these insights is recognized and rewarded. This approach transforms fleeting expertise into a lasting legacy, ensuring critical know-how survives transitions and empowers future generations.

Enhancing Team Efficiency Through Specialized Training in Building Upkeep

Management and Operations

Training often includes facilities management, work order management, blueprint reading, and building automation systems. These skills help teams streamline operations and improve response times to maintenance requests.

Safety and Standards

A significant focus on safety protocols, including OSHA standards and proper handling of building systems, ensures that maintenance technicians can perform their duties without compromising safety for themselves or the public. Training programs often incorporate OSHA's Outreach Training Program to ensure technicians are well-versed in identifying and mitigating common workplace safety hazards.

Flexible Learning Formats

Training is available through various formats, including 100% online courses and expert-led video tutorials. This flexibility allows maintenance technicians to learn at their own pace while still gaining hands-on experience through simulations.

Specialized building maintenance training enhances team efficiency by equipping staff with the technical knowledge and problem-solving skills necessary to perform tasks consistently, safely, and reliably. 

For instance, structured training programs that incorporate virtual simulations and hands-on practice allow technicians to diagnose issues faster and anticipate failures before they occur. This approach not only standardizes safety protocols across teams but also builds confidence through low-risk environments for skill practice. 

As a result, organizations can maintain service continuity during absences, ensuring high-quality service delivery across both commercial and residential property maintenance.

Essential Skills for Facilities Maintenance Teams

Building maintenance work calls for a mix of skills.

Building Systems Knowledge

Proficiency in core technical areas such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, and structural integrity assessments is crucial.

Technology and IT Proficiency

Familiarity with CMMS and asset management software is essential for efficient scheduling and documentation.

Safety and Compliance

Understanding and adhering to safety regulations is vital to prevent occupational hazards and ensure a safe environment for occupants.

Sustainability Practices

Training should include sustainable building management techniques, focusing on energy efficiency and the use of nontoxic products.

Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking

The ability to quickly identify and resolve issues is necessary for maintaining operational efficiency.

Time Management

Effective management of workloads and deadlines is essential to uphold productivity and service standards.

Leadership and Communication

Skills in coaching, mentoring, and managing interpersonal relationships are important for those in supervisory roles.

Maximizing Long-Term Value with Skilled Maintenance Staff

Skilled maintenance staff add long-term value, and training is how you build those skills.

Most programs cover areas such as electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, appliance repair, carpentry, painting, and interior finishes. By ensuring that staff are well-versed in these essential technical skills, facilities teams can reduce downtime and improve operational efficiency.

Additionally, training in management and operations is crucial. This includes work order management, blueprint reading, and familiarity with building automation systems and CMMS software. 

Such knowledge enables technicians to manage tasks effectively and streamline maintenance processes.

Safety is another critical component of training programs focused on building upkeep. These programs often emphasize OSHA standards, ladder safety, and proper handling of building systems, which are vital for protecting both staff and the public. 

Facilities teams can partner with community colleges and continuing education providers to access these training resources, ensuring their staff remains compliant with safety regulations and industry standards.

Ultimately, investing in training for maintenance of buildings not only enhances the skill set of maintenance staff but also contributes to the long-term value of facilities management by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.