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Maintenance engineers typically work across two core areas: planned preventative maintenance (PPM) and reactive maintenance.
Understanding the difference between these approaches is essential for both employers hiring engineers and candidates looking to progress their careers.
WHAT IS PLANNED PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE (PPM)?
PPM involves scheduled maintenance tasks designed to prevent equipment failure and ensure systems operate efficiently.
Typical PPM work includes:
Routine inspections
Servicing equipment
Replacing worn components
Compliance checks
PPM helps reduce downtime and extend the life of building systems.
WHAT IS REACTIVE MAINTENANCE?
Reactive maintenance involves responding to breakdowns and urgent issues.
This includes:
Fault finding and repairs
Emergency call-outs
Restoring systems quickly
Minimising disruption to operations
Reactive roles often require fast decision-making and strong problem-solving skills.
WHAT EMPLOYERS LOOK FOR
Employers typically look for engineers who can:
Balance both PPM and reactive work
Diagnose faults efficiently
Work under pressure
Understand compliance requirements
Communicate effectively with clients and teams
Multi-skilled engineers are particularly valuable as they can work across both areas.
WHY THIS MATTERS IN RECRUITMENT
Understanding PPM vs reactive maintenance helps:
Employers hire the right type of engineer
Candidates position their experience effectively
Improve retention and performance on contracts
Explore roles via our Maintenance Recruitment page.
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FIND MAINTENANCE TALENT
If you’re hiring maintenance engineers — or looking for your next role — our team can help.
Call 0208 092 6500 or Contact us today.
FAQ'S - PPM VS REACTIVE MAINTENANCE
What is PPM in maintenance?
PPM stands for planned preventative maintenance, which involves scheduled tasks designed to prevent equipment failure.
What is reactive maintenance?
Reactive maintenance involves responding to breakdowns and repairing systems when issues occur.
Which is more important, PPM or reactive maintenance?
Both are important. PPM helps prevent issues, while reactive maintenance ensures problems are resolved quickly.
Do employers prefer multi-skilled engineers?
Yes. Engineers who can handle both PPM and reactive work are highly valued.
Can engineers specialise in one area?
Yes, but most roles require a balance of both preventative and reactive maintenance skills.
