Average wage in maintenance??

[Tony Soprano]

Hello guys. I’ve found a job in maintenance that interests me and may have an interview. The money is up to 38,000 a year. I’m currently a Subby and charge £200 a day. I just sub to companies on day rate. I’m weighing up if it’s worth the jump or not because it’s a drop in money. But on the other hand I do want more stability. I find that being a Subby is great when there’s lots of work, but when there’s not it’s a case of ringing round and talking to a lot of people. This is something I’m not the best at. Is the money on offer for the maintenance position decent? It will get my foot in the door and I can then start to get experience. Any advice welcome.
Kindest Regards

 

[binky]

sounds quite reasonable to me. When you factor in the cost of running your own business, unpaid holidays, no sick leave, insurance, no pension plan etc etc the suppossed £52k a year you are currently earning is not what you take home. My only issue is what is the company like to work for, and can you handle not being your own boss anymore?

 

[revjames]

I am a maintenance spark and get JIB rates for approved grade just under £17 at current rates. Personally, I reckon the extra skills involved in maintenance should command a higher rate, perhaps technician rate?

 

[Sharpend]

Quite often with maint jobs there is plenty of OT.

 

[Tony Soprano]

sounds quite reasonable to me. When you factor in the cost of running your own business, unpaid holidays, no sick leave, insurance, no pension plan etc etc the suppossed £52k a year you are currently earning is not what you take home. My only issue is what is the company like to work for, and can you handle not being your own boss anymore?

I’m still unsure how I feel. I’ve been a Subby 18 months or so. Had most of my work from a good friend who has his own company. It’s gone quiet at the minute so it isn’t sitting well with me. I’m just messaging companies currently trying to get something else. Part of me still wants to keep at subbying but I really don’t feel comfortable with the ringing around looking for work part. My contact list is low

 

[Sharpend]

So you are experiencing the usual quiet spell at this time of the year. This is where you realise your rates don’t cut the mustard, your rates really need to incorporate a little extra for the quieter times - so food for thought going forward.
However in the meantime get onto some agencies, this way you will have a greater chance of getting some work but it will also help expand your contact list.

 

[Tony Soprano]

So you are experiencing the usual quiet spell at this time of the year. This is where you realise your rates don’t cut the mustard, your rates really need to incorporate a little extra for the quieter times - so food for thought going forward.
However in the meantime get onto some agencies, this way you will have a greater chance of getting some work but it will also help expand your contact list.

Thanks. I have tried agencies to start with but they don’t get back to me. Say there’s work and say they will be in touch and I never hear anything again. I’m also messaging companies asking for work and I’m getting a response until I mention my day rate. After that I don’t hear anything. There must be be a lot of guys out there working for under £200 a day if I’m struggling to get it.

 

[binky]

Thanks. I have tried agencies to start with but they don’t get back to me. Say there’s work and say they will be in touch and I never hear anything again. I’m also messaging companies asking for work and I’m getting a response until I mention my day rate. After that I don’t hear anything. There must be be a lot of guys out there working for under £200 a day if I’m struggling to get it.

to pay £200 a day is hard for a company as they need to put a mark up on that figure, £17 an hour is about the best you can expect employed.

If you are struggling with the customer interefacing, then self employed probably isn't the route for you, or at least not at the moment. This time of year does tend to be quiet as people have spent all their money on Xmas. Likewise the summer holidays is usually quiet as then they are spending money on holidays. You will also find it hard to get a mortgage or other finances as self employed, as lenders recognise your income isn't stable. So as much as I don't regret going SE many years ago, as I enjoy being my own boss, in reality I would have earned more money employed apart from during the solar panel boom when I made some good money.

 

[Tony Soprano]

to pay £200 a day is hard for a company as they need to put a mark up on that figure, £17 an hour is about the best you can expect employed.

If you are struggling with the customer interefacing, then self employed probably isn't the route for you, or at least not at the moment. This time of year does tend to be quiet as people have spent all their money on Xmas. Likewise the summer holidays is usually quiet as then they are spending money on holidays. You will also find it hard to get a mortgage or other finances as self employed, as lenders recognise your income isn't stable. So as much as I don't regret going SE many years ago, as I enjoy being my own boss, in reality I would have earned more money employed apart from during the solar panel boom when I made some good money.

I wouldn’t say I struggle with it. I just find it very uncomfortable because having work with the same person all year just means I haven’t had to do it. I’ve had a call today from a company i emailed who have offered me work on my day rate. So I’m going to have work at least whilst I consider my longer term options. Thanks for your reply mate.

 

[Murdoch]

£38k on the books with the employer perks like pension contributions, holiday and sick pay too

got to worth seriously considering it

 

[Speed]

What is your Qualifications? Do you know all the electrical regulations that apply to industrial work (i.e. BS7671:2018, control wiring codes EN60204-1, alphanumeric device identification, IEC/ISO81346 & IEC60027, etc.) or can you write programs & diagnose PC & PLC problems?

If not, I suggest you lower your prices or go on the books (if you can get £38k).

 

[Sharpend]

What is your Qualifications? Do you know all the electrical regulations that apply to industrial work (i.e. BS7671:2018, control wiring codes EN60204-1, alphanumeric device identification, IEC/ISO81346 & IEC60027, etc.) or can you write programs & diagnose PC & PLC problems?

If not, I suggest you lower your prices or go on the books (if you can get £38k).

Can you offer an explanation for this comment? Most maintenance sparks I know get £38k without knowing all such regs as often there is a more experienced/qualified person who offers guidance where necessary?
Most S/E sparks get £200 p day as a minimum in most places in the country and the average employed maint sparks gets between £36-£38K as often involves various shift hours? If I understand the OP correctly he is not suggesting going S/E as a maintenance spark?

 

[Tony Soprano]

Can you offer an explanation for this comment? Most maintenance sparks I know get £38k without knowing all such regs as often there is a more experienced/qualified person who offers guidance where necessary?
Most S/E sparks get £200 p day as a minimum in most places in the country and the average employed maint sparks gets between £36-£38K as often involves various shift hours? If I understand the OP correctly he is not suggesting going S/E as a maintenance spark?

The maintenance job is direct. And I would need training with the machines and PLCs etc. I’m an installation spark so I haven’t touched any of that on site. I’m familiar with contactors / stop starts/ motors and relays. But that’s it really other than that it’s standard install knowledge. My back ground is a lot if hospital work. A lot of commercial. Some industrial.

 

[Tony Soprano]

What is your Qualifications? Do you know all the electrical regulations that apply to industrial work (i.e. BS7671:2018, control wiring codes EN60204-1, alphanumeric device identification, IEC/ISO81346 & IEC60027, etc.) or can you write programs & diagnose PC & PLC problems?

If not, I suggest you lower your prices or go on the books (if you can get £38k).

Just an approved spark with gold card. Haven’t got any qualifications in PLCs or an engineering background. I’m self employed now doing install. If I was to go into maintenance it would be direct and I would need training on machines etc.

 

[Sidewinder]

@Tony Soprano my background was initially in the machinery side of the industry.
It is very different in certain areas, and things need to be done different ways, but, the practical skills cross over.
If you are keen to learn, and good mechanically that helps.
I know sparks that have gone from contracting and into maintenance and it is a lot to learn, but it comes, eventually.
Just be a sponge to start, and don't be stuck in the 7671 methods and colour codes.
However, don't lower yourself, to slam it in, connect it up and turn it on mentality of maintenance either!

 

[Tony Soprano]

@Tony Soprano my background was initially in the machinery side of the industry.
It is very different in certain areas, and things need to be done different ways, but, the practical skills cross over.
If you are keen to learn, and good mechanically that helps.
I know sparks that have gone from contracting and into maintenance and it is a lot to learn, but it comes, eventually.
Just be a sponge to start, and don't be stuck in the 7671 methods and colour codes.
However, don't lower yourself, to slam it in, connect it up and turn it on mentality of maintenance either!

Do you have any tips of how I would go about crossing over? I always get turned down when I apply. They say I don’t have enough experience with the machines etc.

 

[binky]

Do you have any tips of how I would go about crossing over? I always get turned down when I apply. They say I don’t have enough experience with the machines etc.

I would suggest tou read up on 3 phase motors and controls as much as possible before the interview. You could also possible offer to start on a lower wage for a year until you have learn't what yu need to know.

When interviewing people, I was always more interested in attitude and willingness to learn than actual qualifications.

 

[Tony Soprano]

I would suggest tou read up on 3 phase motors and controls as much as possible before the interview. You could also possible offer to start on a lower wage for a year until you have learn't what yu need to know.

When interviewing people, I was always more interested in attitude and willingness to learn than actual

I would suggest tou read up on 3 phase motors and controls as much as possible before the interview. You could also possible offer to start on a lower wage for a year until you have learn't what yu need to know.

When interviewing people, I was always more interested in attitude and willingness to learn than actual qualifications.

I have lots of willingness to learn mate. And also I’m a grafter.

 

[Sidewinder]

Do you have any tips of how I would go about crossing over? I always get turned down when I apply. They say I don’t have enough experience with the machines etc.

Sorry no tips because I didn't cross over that way, I started in the machinery side.
You could study up on the aspects of machinery, get good at mechanical things, learn about chains, belts, bearings, lubrication.
As Binky said, 3ph, DOL, Y/D starters, motors, strip and rebuild a few for the hell of it.
Learn about PLC's, even generally.
CNC controls the same.
Learn what controls are used for what, different types of machines.
Servo, inverter and variable speed drives.
Power supplies for drives and controls.
Learn about the different terminal markings.
Learn the different drawing symbols, you should only see IEC, but experience says there will be ANSI (USA/Ca) & JIC (Japan) too, possibly even Chinese, whose standards are believe it or not prefixed GB!
Learn about the different industrial processes, kinds of conveyor, etc.
Safe working practices, LOTO, including mechanical LOTO.
Hydraulics and pneumatics, drawings, symbols, different types of valves, cylinders, motors, pumps, and what they are used for.
Machinery safety, guards, safety switches, what you should and should not replace/bypass and why.

There are LOADS of reliable internet resources out there for this stuff.
It just takes dedication to do the learning.

 

[Tony Soprano]

Sorry no tips because I didn't cross over that way, I started in the machinery side.
You could study up on the aspects of machinery, get good at mechanical things, learn about chains, belts, bearings, lubrication.
As Binky said, 3ph, DOL, Y/D starters, motors, strip and rebuild a few for the hell of it.
Learn about PLC's, even generally.
CNC controls the same.
Learn what controls are used for what, different types of machines.
Servo, inverter and variable speed drives.
Power supplies for drives and controls.
Learn about the different terminal markings.
Learn the different drawing symbols, you should only see IEC, but experience says there will be ANSI (USA/Ca) & JIC (Japan) too, possibly even Chinese, whose standards are believe it or not prefixed GB!
Learn about the different industrial processes, kinds of conveyor, etc.
Safe working practices, LOTO, including mechanical LOTO.
Hydraulics and pneumatics, drawings, symbols, different types of valves, cylinders, motors, pumps, and what they are used for.
Machinery safety, guards, safety switches, what you should and should not replace/bypass and why.

There are LOADS of reliable internet resources out there for this stuff.
It just takes dedication to do the learning.

Thanks for the reply. That’s quite extensive. Mechanical won’t be an issue I’ll pick that up quick. Hopefully I can find somewhere that will offer training. I will look into it thow. Thanks