what is an electronics technician?
Electronics technicians are essential service providers as the world becomes more dependent on electronic systems. These experts work on small electronics, such as phones and complex systems. Due to their skills, they work in all industry sectors, including transportation and power generation, ensuring electronic systems work as required. As an electronics technician, your work varies according to your skill set. You can work in electronic system design, development, installation, testing and running systems diagnostics. You also perform maintenance tasks and repair damaged electronics.
electronics technicians work in many industries
As an electronics technician, you work as an installation, maintenance and repair service provider. You are also a sales agent for businesses that manufacture and sell electronics. Other industries you can work in as an electronics technician include manufacturing companies, research laboratories and professional services.
Electronics technicians also work in transportation, power generation, communication and utilities for real estate industries. The basic responsibility of an electronics technician is to ensure that all electronic systems are working as required. Most electronics technicians work as installation, maintenance and repair specialists in different companies.
Would working as an electronics technician suit your hand-eye coordination and computer skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an electronics technician role.
electronics technician jobsaverage electronics technician salary
According to National Careers, the starting average salary of electronics technicians is £18,000 per year. The compensation package increases with qualifications and experience to £35,000 annually.
Your salary depends on your level of expertise and qualifications. You earn less in entry-level roles due to having fewer qualifications and experience. However, expert electronics technicians earn higher salaries because of their extensive knowledge and expertise.
As an electronics technician, you work in diverse industries, and the complexity of your role determines your pay. For instance, if you are involved in the design and installation of electronic systems, the complexity of the role warrants a higher salary than performing maintenance tasks. The company size also dictates the salary range that an organisation can afford to pay workers. That is why large organisations pay more than small start-up companies.
types of electronics technicians
The types of electronics technicians depend on their industry and area of specialisation. Some include:
- computer electronics technicians: you design or install computer-based electronic systems in various settings. For instance, you design and install automated teller machines, business mainframes, servers or auxiliary computer components.
- biomedical electronics technicians: you service and maintain hospital equipment like blood pressure units and patient monitors. You also repair equipment used in life support systems like defibrillators and breathing apparatus.
working as an electronics technician
Electronics technicians work in diverse environments. If you're passionate about electronics and solving technical issues in businesses, homes, schools and other institutions, consider becoming an electronics technician. Let's explore the specific duties, work environments and job outlook of the role.
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electronics technician job description
The responsibilities of electronics technicians vary depending on where they work. For instance, working in the manufacturing sector differs from a job in maintenance. Some typical tasks include:
- participating in the development of electronics: you work under the supervision of electronics engineers during the production of electronics. Some of your duties include drafting product designs and translating blueprints for electronic systems. You are responsible for sourcing all electronic parts and equipment. You also assemble and calibrate electronic system prototypes.
- testing prototypes: once you develop a system, you test it to ensure it's working correctly to meet safety and performance standards. You install the required equipment for performance evaluation and inspection. You also modify these systems to correct faults and reassemble the units. You document any design problems and advise your superiors on possible solutions.
- installing electronic systems: electronics technicians are responsible for installing electronic systems correctly. You travel to the installation sites, carry out surveys, and install the systems in line with the set policies and regulations. You also calibrate the equipment and use technical drawings to ensure systems are correctly installed and functional.
- maintaining electronic systems: you keep electronic systems running as efficiently as possible, running frequent diagnostics on installed systems. In the event of faults, you identify their cause and repair or replace the damaged parts as necessary. You also keep a log of maintenance tasks to ensure a preventive maintenance schedule is implemented in the future.
- advising on electronic systems: due to their technical expertise, electronics technicians are sometimes hired by wholesalers and retailers dealing with electronic products. You advise potential customers on electronic systems, including their maintenance and installation. Electronics technicians generally work with colleagues during product design and development. In such instances, your input and skills are important.
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work environment
The typical work environment of an electronics technician changes depending on the project. You usually work in office environments during product design and in labs or factories during development. You also install systems in different settings. Sometimes, you install electronic systems outdoors and travel to worksites. This highly interactive occupation involves working in teams and under the guidance of electronics engineers. The success of projects relies on the level of consultation with fellow technicians and supervisors. Being an electronics technician is hands-on, so remote work is impossible.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on the industry and employer, your colleagues as an electronics technician, hvac technicians include electronic engineers, electrical technicians, electrical engineers, maintenance engineers and automotive engineers. You may also work with electrical engineers and domestic appliance service engineers, as well as other specialists, including computer engineers, facilities managers, project managers and project engineers.
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work schedule
You work 41 to 43 hours a week as an electronics technician in the public sector. You may also work weekends and bank holidays to cover emergencies. On the other hand, if you are employed in the private sector, you work on a shift basis. In this case, the number of hours you work depends on your employer's schedule. For instance, your schedule may include lengthy production hours and shorter inspection times. In such scenarios, it is possible to work overtime to meet tight deadlines.
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job outlook
Working as an electronics technician prepares you for specialised roles in various industries. Most electronics technicians proceed to electronics engineer roles or explore other career options in computer engineering or transport engineering. With experience, an electronics technician can also become a project team leader or a quality control manager.
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advantages of finding an electronics technician job through randstad
Finding your electronics technician job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an electronics technician is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Explore the different routes to becoming an electronics technician below:
- university course: most electronics technicians join the role through a foundation degree or a higher national diploma. The electrical and electronics engineering course equips you with knowledge of electronic designs and installation.
- college: if you don't meet the minimum requirements for a university course, take a college course to learn the necessary skills for the job. Some relevant courses include Level 4 Higher National Certificate in electronic engineering and Level 3 Diploma in electrical and electronic engineering.
- apprenticeship: engineering technician advanced apprenticeship programmes are available if you have at least 5 GCSEs in grades 9 to 4.
electronics technician skills and competencies
Electronic systems are complex, and the following skills are necessary to boost your chances of success in this profession:
- mechanical skills: you need mechanical skills to repair faulty electronic systems. These include using diagnostic equipment, disassembling electronic units, troubleshooting, repairing, assembling and installing electronic systems.
- electronics engineering principles and applications: you should be well versed in electronic systems because you're responsible for implementing them to the correct safety standards. You read and translate technical system designs and reports and build, install and maintain electronic systems. Those who work in computer industries should be knowledgeable in programming languages and computer software.
- communication skills: since this is a highly interactive profession, you require good communication skills to succeed. Electronics technicians usually interact with team members, especially during project design and development. You should express yourself clearly and participate effectively in brainstorming activities.
- problem-solving skills: electronics technicians are problem solvers who help to create more efficient electronic systems and maintain current systems. Therefore, you should be good at inspecting your work, identifying potential problems and finding solutions.
FAQs
FAQs about working as an electronics technician.
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what does an electronics technician do?
The duties of electronics technicians depend on their place of work and job description. Generally, their job is to keep electronic systems functional. In manufacturing, they design and develop electronic parts and systems.
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are electronic technicians in demand?
Electronics technicians are among the most sought-after professionals due to the public's heavy reliance on electronics. As traditional systems become digitised, there is high demand for service automation, as these transitions rely on the skills of electronics technicians. Experts predict that the need for electronics technicians will increase in professional and technical services.
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how do I become an electronic repair professional?
To be an electronics repair technician, you should complete an electronics and electrical engineering foundation degree or college course. However, some electronics jobs require more specialised skills, such as programming or nuclear power expertise.
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what is a certified electronics technician?
If you are a certified electronics technician, you are qualified to handle electronics as a professional technician. A certified electronics technician holds a certification from an accredited electronics engineering institution.
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is electronics a good career?
If you enjoy working with electronics and solving complex problems, you will love working as an electronics technician. Electronics technicians learn daily, improve their skills and earn more than many other occupations. You enjoy stable employment and job opportunities in various industries, from product assembly to power generation.
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how do I apply for an electronics technician vacancy?
Applying for an electronics technician job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our electronics technician job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
