"Multi-skilled" maintenence departments, whats your take?

[theroadblock]

Hi again guys, been a while since i last posted on here since ive had alot on . just a quickie really, what is everyone's take on this 'multiskilling' malarky that seems to have wormed its way into our maintenence departments?
i mean i get it, train 1 guy to be able to cover both a mechanical + electrical role, but really.. does it work? as of yet all i see is maintenence electricians covering both areas, whereas the mechanical guys still scream for an electrician at the slightest electrical fault? might just be in my workplace but meh, whats your take?

 

[Engineer54]

Way back when, ....We did our official training in our respective fields, but also received company factory training in other areas such as on the mechanical, and pipe fitting, tool making, and even the rigging side of things, spending time in each department.

Basically in the event of any line failure or scheduled maintenance work, everyone was expected to get on and do what was necessary. Being classed as multi skilled doesn't necessarily mean your fully skilled in all areas, just that you know what's needed, able to carry out minor work outside your discipline, and be able to assist other disciplines, without step by step instruction!!

Even on this project, i am suitably knowledgeable to look after both my own work and my Mechanical Engineer colleagues work, during his vacations or sick periods, the same as he is able to do with my work!! Obviously neither of us are going to make any major decisions during these times, but day to day decisions and instructions would be quite normal!!

 

[Knobhead]

In the foundry it was funny. A new engineering manager asked why 4 fitters were stood around waiting for me the electrician to machine a shaft. Turning, milling, welding, instrumentation, programing were all in a days work. I enjoyed it.

 

[Knobhead]

Bloody useless at joinery though.

 

[Gage]

Bloody useless at joinery though.

Me too! Hahaha. Everything else is fine but give me some wood and I'm running for the hills! (that sounds odd I know haha)

 

[Knobhead]

Metal doesn't split the moment I look at it.

 

[Gage]

Metal doesn't split the moment I look at it.

Just mirrors then?

:wink5: too easy

 

[Chris86]

I must be in the minority here, I don't mind the joinery/wood butchering side of the multi-skilled role. We are gang of 6 and the other lads all know that other than me my entire family are in the building trade so as soon as anything timber related comes along the job sheet hits my bench!

I find it gives an added job satifaction to see something you have built along with the stuff you fix in the usual breakdown environment. I even have a draw in my bench now for the "facilities maintenace tools" such as chisels etc. Sad i know but having the right tools makes it easier.

 

[Silly Sausage]

Metal doesn't split the moment I look at it.

It just buckles and sags! :biggrinjester:

I like a bit of wood butchering now & again.
Armed with my mitre and fret saws, I can do a well decent job of skirtings, door architraves etc.

 

[Gage]

I do enjoy working with wood but I'm terrible at it haha.