How To Become A Hydraulic Technician: Education Requirements And More
How does one become a hydraulic technician? This is one of the most common questions asked by people looking to get into hydraulic technician training, but there are plenty of other questions that need answering before this one can be answered as well. In this article, we’ll answer these and other frequently asked questions about hydraulic technician training.
What is Hydraulics
Hydraulics is the study of fluids under pressure. In short, it's the movement of liquids or gas by means of a pump, or by changes in atmospheric pressure. This technology has been used for centuries, but really came into its own with the development of the automobile engine in the early 20th century. Hydraulic fluid is found in everything from power steering fluid to brake fluid.
Types of Hydraulic Technicians
There are two types of hydraulic technicians that work with machines or engines. There are large equipment hydraulic technicians and small equipment hydraulic technicians. Large equipment hydraulic technicians work on heavy machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, cranes, etc. Smaller items would be air compressors, pneumatic tools, hand pumps, etc. These technicians use their knowledge of hydraulics to diagnose problems, assemble parts for repairs and make sure the equipment is working properly. To become a hydraulic technician you must have at least an Associate’s Degree in Hydraulic Engineering Technology or related field plus experience.
Education Requirements
In order for you to become a hydraulic technician, you'll need an associate degree or a certificate in hydraulics from a trade school. You can also get training from the U.S. Navy or military academies such as the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York; the Citadel, Charleston, South Carolina; or Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia.
What kind of training can I expect
You can learn hydraulic repair by attending vocational school, earning an associate degree or bachelor's degree. You will need plenty of on-the-job training to gain experience in this field. Once you're ready for the next step, you'll need to take the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) exam. A hydraulic repair certification is not mandatory but it does show employers that you have skills in this area.
What jobs are available
Hydraulic technicians specialise in installing, repairing and maintaining systems that use pressurised fluid to power machinery. They are often employed in industries such as manufacturing, construction, mining and agriculture. Some specialised hydraulic technicians work on aerospace or automotive projects.
In Conclusion
You now know the basics of how to become a hydraulic technician. Simply put, you will need an associate degree in fluid power technology or some other related field. Even if you don't have these qualifications, there are still plenty of ways to get started in this exciting career path. If you take your time and plan accordingly, then there is no doubt that the sky's the limit for you as a hydraulic technician.