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 jobs
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average 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.

focused male looking away wearing protective gear at work
focused male looking away wearing protective gear at work
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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.
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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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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.
focused male operating a machine
focused male operating a machine
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FAQs

FAQs about working as an electronics technician.

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