Plant and Maintenance Engineering

Plant and Maintenance Engineering is a certificate programme at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) that prepares you to keep industrial plants and machinery running safely and efficiently. It runs on weekends only, so you can study without giving up a weekday job or other responsibilities. This page explains what the field involves, who can apply, and the kinds of careers graduates typically go into.

What plant and maintenance engineering covers

This field is about keeping industrial equipment and facilities in good working order. In a certificate programme of this kind, you typically learn to inspect machines, identify faults, carry out routine maintenance, and help with repairs. You also pick up knowledge of safety practices and planned maintenance, which is the work of preventing problems before they cause downtime. Most programme graduates find jobs in industries like mining, manufacturing, and power generation, where reliable machinery is essential.

Who can apply and how the schedule works

The programme is open to students who completed General Science or Technical Studies in SHS, so if you came through either of those backgrounds you meet the subject area requirement. Entry is less competitive than many other engineering programmes, which means you have a reasonable chance of getting a place if your grades meet the university's admission standard. The weekends-only timetable makes it practical for people who work during the week or who need to fit study around family or other commitments.

What you can do with this certificate

With a certificate in plant and maintenance engineering, you can start as a maintenance technician, plant operator, or engineering assistant. These roles are hands-on: they involve inspecting equipment, performing routine servicing, and helping to solve breakdowns. With several years of experience, some technicians move into planning or supervisory positions, while others go on to pursue higher qualifications in engineering. Demand for these skills is steady in industrial and mining settings across Ghana.