Building & Facilities Maintenance

Program Overview

A multi-trade program preparing students for facilities, property, and building-maintenance technician roles. The Iowa Trade School Building & Facilities Maintenance program is a 150-clock-hour, online distance-education course covering the full breadth of skills required of a multi-trade facilities technician. The curriculum integrates electrical fundamentals, plumbing and water systems, mechanical systems, HVAC awareness, refrigerant handling, appliance service, building systems and controls, and preventive maintenance with CMMS. Embedded virtual reality skills labs reinforce hands-on competency in tool use, plumbing fixture installation, electrical resistance measurement, and electric water heater troubleshooting. Graduates are positioned to sit for the NATE Ready-to-Work, EPA Section 608 Type I, and OSHA 10-Hour General Industry credentialing exams. Quick facts: 150 clock hours; 100% Online — Asynchronous Distance Education with VR Lab Component; 20 modules; 6 VR labs; Typical duration 20–26 weeks self-paced (maximum 52 weeks).

What You’ll Learn

Apply OSHA 10 safety standards across facilities, mechanical, and electrical work
Identify and safely use common hand tools, power tools, and test instruments used in facility maintenance
Apply Ohm's Law and basic electrical theory using a digital multimeter
Identify and service common residential plumbing fixtures and water-supply components
Perform routine maintenance on mechanical systems including bearings, belts, and pumps
Identify HVAC system components and perform basic refrigeration awareness tasks for EPA 608 Type I
Service common residential and light-commercial appliances safely
Identify building system controls (BAS), lighting controls, and basic energy management concepts
Develop and execute preventive maintenance schedules using a CMMS platform
Demonstrate workplace readiness including communication, ticket documentation, and customer service

Program Highlights

1

Hands-On Labs

Build skills in 6 embedded virtual reality labs covering tool use, plumbing fixture installation, electrical resistance measurement, and electric water heater troubleshooting.

2

Experienced Instructors

Learn from Dan Parker (John “Dan” Parker), HVAC/R instructor at Poplar Bluff Career Technical Center and owner of Need Air, an HVAC and facilities service company; EPA Section 608 Universal certified; OSHA 10.

3

Certification Prep

Prepare for NATE Ready-to-Work, EPA Section 608 Type I, OSHA 10-Hour General Industry, and ATC Certification.

4

Job Placement Assistance

Access career services to help you secure your first job as a Maintenance Technician, Facilities Technician, Building Engineer Helper, Apartment / Property Maintenance Technician, or Appliance Service Helper, with strong opportunities in multifamily property management, K-12 and higher-ed facilities, healthcare, hospitality, and corporate facility teams.

Why Choose Our Building & Facilities Maintenance Program

Learn the skills employers are looking for in a 150-clock-hour, 100% online program with 20 modules covering electrical, plumbing, mechanical, HVAC, appliances, building controls, and preventive maintenance with CMMS.

Practice in real-world scenarios to build confidence.

From resume building to job placement, we’re here to help you succeed.

Start Your Journey Today!

Ready to take the first step toward a fulfilling career in the trades? Contact us today to learn more about our programs or speak with an admissions advisor. Your future starts here at Iowa Trade School!