I've worked "both sides," and there's a lot to be said for both sides of the issue.
Maintenance Electricians typically learn the job "on the job," know only their plant's equipment, get in the habit of fixing the same thing all the time (to the detriment of trouble-shooting skills), and leave the job with no credentials, or systematic training in other systems or equipment.
"Regular" electricians typically serve an apprenticeship that systematically teaches them a little about all aspects of the trade, may rotate them around different contractors 9so they have some first-hand experience with different systems), and has a strong emphasis on the NEC.
Of course, many work for companies that have a limited variety in the job they go after- so a guy might spend years wiring houses. Or others work for a big firm, and get locked into a specialty (say, alarm systems).
No matter what, though, the journeyman electrician at least has some credential that outlines his training. He leaves a job with that- and not just his hat- in his hand.
If he's a union man, he has also been able to maintain his benefits through various employers- something a factory worker cannot.
The sad fact is that most employers these days are short-sighted cheap bums who can't imagine spending five minutes training anyone- why, they might leave! This mindset not only creates a poor attitude, it also means that the employers' own people are caught totally unprepared when something "new" presents itself. I was a contractor at on lace that was all full of pride with its' "secret" and "state-of-the-art" technology- stuff that was old in 1970! (And they worried I was going to steal their "secrets!")
Generally, "maintenance electricians" do a lot of motor and switch changing. Unless something unusual happens, or a major job (like moving a line) is involved, having a journeyman in the job is a lot like having a derby winner pull a milk wagon.
A journeyman is a professional, and is paid for his judgement as much as anything. Too often maintenance folks are way bown the ladder, well beneath the production foremen. This is a mistake, and a waste of a resource. The man is far more than just s motor-changer, and production folks need to realise that their actions are of the the cause of downtime- not the sparky waiting for a part (that they were too cheap to keep on-hand). Yet, I have never seen the maintenance folks asked for their thoughts- it's always "here's how it is." A contractor won't put up with that.
