what is a service technician?

 

Service technicians are professionals who maintain different types of machines to keep them in top condition. Working in this field, you typically go to clients’ homes and businesses to repair or install appliances. As a new service technician, you have to work under a better-trained or experienced technician or engineer. The most common types of technicians are vehicle mechanics, home appliance technicians, computer and office machinery repair technicians, and air conditioning technicians. Although they sound completely individual from each other, the duties in each of these roles are largely similar. Service technicians also work in different environments installing and repairing equipment such as air conditioning and heating systems and even manufacturing systems.

service technician jobs
1

average salary of service technicians

The national average salary for Service Technician is £25,647 per year in United Kingdom.

2

types of service technicians

Different service technicians have different training requirements to suit different areas of specialisation. Car mechanics, or automotive service technicians, are the most widely known. In this role, you will primarily work in repair shops to service cars and small engines of motorcycles and boats. Other subcategories exist depending on the part of the vehicle you choose to specialise in. For example, you can specialise in vehicle air conditioning systems or transmissions. Computer service technicians are trained in the maintenance and replacement of computer hardware and office appliances to ensure they are working properly. You can also become an HVAC service technician. These technicians work in both residential and commercial spaces to ensure heating and air systems are working as required.
 

3

working as a service technician

If you’ve been thinking about becoming a service technician, you’re making a very good career choice. In this profession, you have a range of options to specialise in. You can become an HVACR, computer and office equipment, or automotive service technician. Therefore, you can choose a category that best suits your personality and passion. The qualification demands are also quite reasonable. In some cases, all you need is a high school diploma and some experience. You can then choose to seek a certification that highlights your skills. Apart from automotive service repair, HVACR and computer service technicians will enjoy a growth in job opportunities, demand, and pay. This growth presents you with an opportunity to gain more skills and have a stable occupation. With a license in this sector, you will be able to start your own service business and enjoy greater autonomy and control over your profession.

If you are planning to join this profession, it is important to understand the responsibilities, nature of work, and qualifications of service technicians.

service technician job description

Despite where you work and the type of service technician you are, you will have similar responsibilities. They range from carrying out inspections to doing system maintenance to communicating with clients.

male wearing a white hat working with tools on a production site
male wearing a white hat working with tools on a production site

work environment

Most service technicians work in repair shops, garages, homes, labs and institutions, and other organisations operating different types of machinery. In these environments, your work is highly interactive because you must communicate with clients, fellow employees, and supervisors. During your workday, you are often exposed to different types of dirt and grime, especially if you work in an auto repair shop. Also expect to work in tight spaces or stand for extended periods, especially when working on lengthy projects. Field service technicians have the most dynamic work environment. In this role, you will frequently be on the road traveling to install, repair, and maintain stationary machines on-site.

work schedule

Most service technicians enjoy full-time employment and have fairly regular working hours. However, due to the uniqueness of each installation and repair, many service technicians have to work overtime. As a field service technician, you will integrate traveling time into your schedule because you move a lot to worksites. Some service technicians work on a part-time basis, with some even holding two or more jobs. In most cases, such service technicians are required to work weekends or overtime, depending on the agreement with an employer. Others, especially those who work on contracts, have completely irregular work schedules. On the other hand, as a licensed master service technician, you have more control over your schedule.

4

education & skills

The education and training required to become a service technician depends on the industry. Each type of service technician gets specialised training. For example, an HVACR technician must learn about air, ventilation, heating, and refrigeration systems. Automotive technicians get trained on car engines, brakes, suspensions, and other automotive components. In some cases, especially when it comes to sensitive equipment like computer servers, some employers require a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. However, most industries only require a high school diploma, or its equivalent, and vocational training. The necessary vocational training usually takes two years, and schools offer it as an associate degree or a short certification course. You will then need about two years of experience under the supervision of an experienced technician after getting your formal education.

certification and licensing

Once you have received the necessary training and experience, you will have the opportunity to get certified as a service technician. Bodies that offer these certifications are different depending on the industry.

skills & competencies

For you to be successful as a service technician, you need a set of professional and personal skills to prove your competence.

smiling male in a production environment
smiling male in a production environment
5

FAQs

Here are the most asked questions about working as a service technician.

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