New England is leading the nation in advanced manufacturing, making headlines with green job initiatives, and is consistently ranked among the top places to live in America today. But behind the scenes of every high-rise and automated factory floor is an army of facilities maintenance workers keeping the lights on and operations running smoothly. 

At the center of it all are facilities maintenance managers. These highly-trained professionals coordinate a wide range of operations, from daily maintenance to emergency preparedness and environmental stewardship. 

It’s a demanding job, and CTE programs need to deliver hands-on training with state-of-the-art technology that meets the Massachusetts DESE CTE frameworks.

What are the top facilities maintenance manager candidates finding in their labs? Here’s how these programs meet and exceed the latest professional standards.

Understanding the MA DESE CTE Competencies

Facilities maintenance managers must be prepared to encounter a wide range of institutional needs and safety standards. 

According to the Massachusetts DESE CTE framework, graduates will need to demonstrate competency in:

• Health and safety standards
• Operations and maintenance
• Project management and technical drawings
• Environmental stewardship and sustainability
• Emergency preparedness and business continuity

They’ll also be expected to maintain a wide range of OSHA and Red Cross certifications, and the most competitive graduates will pursue industry-recognized credentials in areas like fall prevention, refrigeration handling, NIMS, NCCER, and more. 

Game-Changing Training Equipment

Facilities maintenance is a hands-on career that puts professionals in direct contact with infrastructure, high-voltage equipment, and vital systems. CTE programs need teaching technology that is approachable, engaging, and simulates real-world experiences students will encounter in the field. 

1. Safety and Compliance

Facilities maintenance managers are directly responsible for ensuring their buildings are safe and up to code. From securing heavy equipment to electrical safety, technical institutions will need training equipment that delivers a thorough understanding of best practices and practical applications. 

Adjustable-Height Rigging Learning System

CNC machines and heavy equipment of all sizes and dimensions have to be properly rigged and moved safely and efficiently. The Adjustable-Height Rigging Learning System by Festo Didactic allows instructors to safely introduce basic principles of rigging with swivel casters, roller bearings, and a wide range of hardware such as ropes, swings, and shackles. 

Power Supply Systems and Protective Grounding Package

Electricity can be dangerous, and the Power Supply Systems and Protective Grounding Package gives students hands-on training in critical areas like shock protection, testing, installation, and common earthing arrangements. 

It also features lockable switches to simulate realistic fault-finding, and measurements are conducted using standard measuring equipment. 

2. Software and Data Analytics

Buildings are more reliant on digital systems than ever before, and tomorrow’s facilities maintenance managers should be familiar with common software platforms and analytical frameworks. 

The CrowdComfort mobile software and analytics platform gives users a real-time view of data for routine operational tasks. 

Students learn how to monitor and optimize daily activities such as:

• Cleaning schedules
• Work requests
• Maintenance tasks
• Security protocols 
• Inspections

And while CrowdComfort is ideally suited for secondary and post-secondary training, it’s also an industry-standard tool facilities maintenance managers will encounter in sectors like real estate, healthcare, life sciences, and automotive manufacturing. 

3. Building Systems and Structures

Facilities maintenance managers will be in constant contact with internal systems for water and climate control. Tiny malfunctions and small ruptures can quickly lead to emergencies that bring operations to a halt. Maintaining, repairing, and meeting compliance standards are essential skills they’ll use in the field. 

Building HVAC Controls Learning System

The Building HVAC Controls Learning System gives users an introduction to modern commercial HVAC systems. Learners have a hands-on opportunity to explore common features, including:

• Sensors and actuators for air-handling units
• CAV and VAV systems for temperature, CO2, and humidity control
• Zone control and programming
• Status monitoring software

Piping and Backflow Prevention Training System

Maintaining clean water is essential for meeting health and safety standards, and facilities maintenance managers are responsible for ensuring plumbing and pipe fitting is up to code. 

The Piping and Backflow Prevention Training System provides an industrial-grade, compact platform that’s ideally suited for classrooms. Users gain an in-depth understanding of how BFP devices work, installation, and the fundamentals of pressure testing. 

The entire system is closed-loop to keep floors dry, and the kit includes standard industrial-grade tools.

Designing Facilities Maintenance Labs with AET Labs

The Massachusetts DESE CTE framework sets a high bar for facilities maintenance programs in New England, and AET Labs is helping CTE schools keep pace. From lab design planning and equipment recommendations to installation and training, we partner with technical schools throughout the region to connect them with game-changing equipment and training tools.

Contact AET Labs for a local partner to help you bring hands-on facilities maintenance management to your lab.