All transportation vehicles, from cars to airplanes, trains, and ships, need regular repair and maintenance. Maintenance workers perform a number of tasks, some which may not require much skill, such as washing and cleaning trucks and automobiles, and others which may require a great deal of training and experience with high-tech equipment, such as maintaining the navigational system of a ship or aircraft.

Job openings for maintenance workers should be abundant due to the large number of maintenance workers needed in the industry and significant job turnover.

Maintenance workers need mechanical aptitude and analytical ability in order to diagnose problems quickly and accurately. They should also be responsible and detail-oriented in order to maintain proper safety standards. Other requirements include manual dexterity, good eyesight, stamina, and agility.

Maintenance workers need to know how to use the tools and technologies needed for the service, diagnosis, and repair of the vehicles in their field of specialty. They should also have basic math and readings skills. Computer skills are becoming increasingly important as well because of the prevalence of automated inspection equipment.

Training requirements vary, based on the occupation and specialty. Employers frequently hire people without work experience or education to perform simple, maintenance tasks. A high school diploma is sometimes, but not always, necessary. Informal, on-the-job training is usually provided for these workers.

If an individual is seeking a higher-paying job with more complex duties, training authorities strongly recommend completion of a formal training program upon graduation from high school. Technical and trade schools and community colleges often offer programs resulting in certification (which may be required for some positions).

Most maintenance personnel work a 40-hour week, although overtime and shift work is common. Some workers are on their feet all day; others sit most of the day. Some jobs are physically demanding and involve exposure to harmful materials, fumes, loud noise, or dangerous machinery. To avoid injury, these workers may wear gloves, hard hats, and other safety devices.