technician

maintenance mechanic

Thomas Built Buses

I loved going to work everyday. I accomplished so much more than I ever thought that I would, each day challenged me to be a better person and a better employee. When I was hired, it was in a new position that the company needed to get a handle on and control of their MRP parts. Management needed to see where all their inventory was going and how production was using and installing these parts on their manufactured buses. I never received any kind of training for this job, I was never told what my duties were. I learned all the aspects of my job on my own. Things are so different now. Now when you apply for a job, you know up front what your responsibilities are and what the company expects from you. I was hired by a family owned company. I walked in with a employment application, then interviewed and walked out with a job. Now it has become a Corporation and you have to take an assessment test before they will hire anyone. To be able to rise in the company you had to have seniority, and it didn't matter that you had no knowledge of the position or duties of the job you were applying for. The company would fill open positions with employees within the company first before looking outside of the company. A few Supervisors felt the need to control certain areas of Management and that was the hardest part of me doing my job, and that is why I walked out after 18 years.

Interview process was good and interesting. But I was hired for a engine installment position, but after meeting some team members of that department, they was appalled that I had very good experience as a diesel mechanic and as a African American. So they moved me to the line and gave me 3 jobs to do so I would fail. As a veteran w/ VA appt. and I moved closer to work, required me to be out for medical and my moving closer to work for 1 day was a issue leading to termination. The Union could have done more but they didn’t. They moved me around on several positions which I accomplished and performed well when expected to fail. So the only option they had was to terminate for union violation during probation period for moving and medical reasons.

What is the best part of working at the company?
It's a challenging, fast paced environment.  Our maintenance department's most important goal is to keep the assembly line moving while being as safe as possible.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Ensuring that there's more than 10 minutes of downtime for equipment repair.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
The environment is sort of laid back until there's a call to action. The culture is diversified, welcoming to all individuals. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Some days are like sitting at your favorite restaurant when other days can be like a kitchen fire. Those days are rare, but they have occurred.

Supervisors excelled at introducing new personnel to new job and requirements.  Work environment was, at times, brutal.  No heat in the winter and no AC in the summer.  Two sweatshirts in the winter and as little clothing as possible in the summer.  Work was somewhat rewarding because you actually saw progress as the product moved down the line. The so called "Just in Time" supply method did not work as it should and did not seem to improve during my time there.  Necessary changes to parts for proper assembly did not happen even when the engineers got involved. Job security was excellent.

I worked in engineering.  The engineering department has good people, but the problem is with company management outside of engineering.  Engineering at this company is not respected.  Management at this company thinks engineers "have it made" and "have no stress" and "doesn't really have to work".  The culture is very political.  I had managers lie to my face.  You can be the best engineer on staff, but if you're not playing the politics it will eventually be your turn to take the blame and be black balled.  Believe me the turn over here is very high, engineers do not stay very long.

Thomas Built buses is an amazing place to work. However, it is difficult to progress due to the fact that everything is seniority based. I loved working for Thomas, there’s all sorts of benefits. You receive free vision and dental, you receive excellent  health care for pennies and you get a raise every six months. The down fall of this place is management doesn’t take responsibility for any mishaps, instead they like to point fingers at the “lesser man” and divert the situation.

There is a lot of extra people in some areas wasting time, people not using time very well. Management stesses and worries about the wrong issues alot of times. 1st and 2nd shift have a lot of un fair differences and aren't very equal when it comes to getting hours and overtime hours. Union is weak.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Longevity and the money not bad for the triad area

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Understanding the blue prints if not it could cost a lot of money that you loose the company 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Friendly family environment very ethnically fun environment 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
A lot of focal decisions you have to make and be able to be professional about it

Would arrive, fill in where needed, or supervise a group of 7 employees, help on assembly line, order parts, and keep work flowing. Learned much over several years. Management was great to work with, always open line of communication, as planning was discussed daily. Co-workers were exceptional, everyone got in got the job done, no complaints. Enjoyed the job very much, always new challenges to keep everyone motivated and working as a unit. 

Working at Thomas Built Buses was an amazing experiencing I learned a lot of things and met a lot of great people..Working for Thomas on a daily base can tuff on ur body some time but not every day. You will need to be a people person because you are dealing with so many different personalities is what I think makes it a great place to work. I don't think I ever had a hard day at Thomas. Thomas where I couldn't handle the work load.. For me every day is a joy for me to be at an work facility..

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Technician 1 salary reported	$23.50 per hour
Maintenance mechanic 1 salary reported	$21.50 per hour

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