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Electrical and Electronics Technicians, also known as Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians, apply electrical and electronic theory and related subjects to help develop, manufacture, maintain, and service a wide variety of electrical and electronic equipment and components.  

JOB DUTIES 

Electrical Technicians may:

Build, test, repair, and modify electrical equipment and components

Diagnose the cause of malfunctions, perform preventive and corrective procedures, and conduct periodic tests

Suggest changes in or replacement of equipment which fails to meet operating standards

Prepare project cost and work-time estimates

Electronics Technicians may:

Discuss assembly and layout problems with electronic engineers

Draw sketches to clarify design details and functional criteria of electronic units

Assemble circuitry or complete prototype models according to engineering instructions, technical manuals and knowledge of electronics

Recommend changes in circuitry or specifications

Set up test equipment and wiring to conduct tests on the performance and reliability of products and equipment

Analyze and interpret test results

Adjust and modify parts and wiring and record effects on unit performance

Write technical reports and draw charts and diagrams that show how the system operates for consideration by professional engineering personnel

Click to learn more about Electrical and Electronics Technicians!

The machines, tools, equipment, and work aids used may include:  

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Electrical and Electronics Technicians may specialize in these areas:

003.161-010 ELECTRICAL TECHNICIANS assemble, maintain, and test electrical equipment and components such as motor-controlled devices, switch panels, transformers, generator windings, and solenoids. They diagnose the cause of malfunctions, perform preventive and corrective procedures, and conduct periodic tests. They may suggest changes in or replacement of equipment which fails to meet operating standards. Electrical Technicians may work primarily in the distribution and supply of electrical power or in the design and manufacture of electrical equipment.

003.161-014 ELECTRONICS TECHNICIANS build, test, repair, and modify electronic equipment such as computers, communications equipment, industrial and medical measuring and control devices, and radar.

003.161-018 SEMICONDUCTOR-DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIANS test developmental semiconductor devices and evaluate test equipment to compile data for engineering evaluation of new designs.

003.261-010 INSTRUMENTATION TECHNICIANS create, set up, and operate electronic instrumentation and related apparatus used to test mechanical, structural, or electrical equipment. These Technicians then translate the test data for use by engineers.

019.281-010 CALIBRATION LABORATORY TECHNICIANS test, determine the caliber of, and repair electrical, mechanical, and electronic instruments in order to meet established standards. They also assist engineers in developing calibration standards.

Electrical and Electronics Technicians may also work as sales workers or field representatives for manufacturers, wholesalers, or retailers giving advice on the installation, operation, and maintenance of complex equipment and may write specifications and technical manuals.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration scripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Electrical and Electronics Technicians usually work with employees at all levels, including engineers, supervisors, managers, and skilled trade workers. They generally work under the supervision of experienced engineers. Technicians may instruct and supervise skilled workers and lower grade technical personnel.

Some Electrical and Electronics Technicians work in clean, well lighted, quiet offices, laboratories, and studios. Others may work in factories and are exposed to factory hazards. A few work outdoors and may be exposed to severe weather conditions. Other hazards such as electric shocks and burns from soldering irons are present but are not major problems when safety regulations are followed.  

Electrical and Electronics Technicians usually work a 5-day, 40-hour week. Longer hours may be necessary at times when important projects have to be finished. Technicians may have to travel occasionally in order to test and service equipment. Electronics Technicians may be required to purchase their own hand tools at a cost of $200 or more.

Electrical and Electronics Technicians may join professional associations, such as The American Society of Certified Engineering Technicians , or unions, such as The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers . Members must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

·                      Working with electronic/electrical/scientific/technical equipment

·                      Solving problems about processes, machines, and techniques

You Should Be Able To:

·                      Work within set limits and standards

·                      Use good judgment

·                      Express yourself well orally and in writing

·                      Apply mathematics quickly/accurately in solving circuit malfunctions

·                      Picture objects from drawings or diagrams

·                      Compare/see differences in the size/shape/form of lines/other figures

·                      Rate information according to standards which can be measured/checked

Math Problem You Should Be Able To Solve:  

If given a parallel electrical circuit containing 55, 75 and 125 ohm resistors connected by series, what is the total equivalent resistance in the whole circuit?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:  

A battery supplies direct current (dc). That is, the polarity of the voltage does not change. Generators can produce either direct current or alternating current.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:  

Create an accurate written report of your work and discoveries for your boss.  

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:  

An electric circuit is malfunctioning. You have to analyze the symptoms and use good problem solving skills to find a cure.

Although not required for employment, certification is available to Technicians with acceptable education and experience. Passing a written exam may be required for certification. Both the National Institute for the Certification of Engineering Technologies and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers offer certification. To work for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), an Electronics Technician must pass an examination for certification from the agency.  

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) or an Apprenticeship (usually three to four years of training beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration script: 

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***   

0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 1300 ENGLISH , 2200 MATH, 2900 SCIENCE , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration script.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

052 ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN   

Programs in Electrical and Electronics Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment servicing electrical and electronics systems, appliances, and motors. Individuals who teach Electrical and Electronics Technology at the secondary school level must have a  Michigan Teaching Certificate .  

Courses within this program will vary but may include:  

20 ROBOTICS TECHNOLOGY  

Programs in Robotics Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the design, manufacture, testing, installation, operation, and maintenance of robots, robotic systems, and related devices, tools, and mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment. Individuals who teach Robotics Technology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate .  

Courses vary from school to school but may include:  

  Search for a College and/or Instructional Program      

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***   

018 ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN  

Some people enter occupations within this Career Exploration script through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job.

WHAT IS LEARNED ON THE JOB  

WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM  

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***   

There are no Military Programs related to this Career Exploration script.  

E-Learning Courses and Programs       

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Some of the ways to gain experience in this occupation are through a formal apprenticeship program, and a postsecondary program in electrical and electronics technology or in robotics technology. Cooperative education programs in electrical and electronics technology are offered by various departments and agencies of the federal government.  

Electrical and Electronics Technicians may locate their jobs through applying directly to employers, taking civil service examinations and completing an apprenticeship program. Assistance is available from school placement offices and from apprenticeship information specialists at local offices of the Michigan Works! Agencies . Newspaper want ads may list available positions. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Electronics Technicians Association Job Search  

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Careers  

Internet Engineering Center  

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal  

Monster Jobs  

CareerBuilder  

Simply Hired  

Indeed | one search. all jobs.  

Yahoo! hotjobs  

Michigan Talent Bank    

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Electrical and Electronics Technicians depend on their experience, education, ability and technical specialty. Other factors which affect earnings are the type of employer and the employer's geographic location.  

Nationally, the annual earnings (early 2009) of Electrical and Electronics Technicians were:  

The median yearly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $37,544 in 2008. 

In the federal government, Technicians with a high school diploma and no experience started at $19,721 annually (2009). Those with an associate degree and no experience started at $24,156. With a bachelor's degree, they started at $27,026 or $33,477 depending on their academic record. Some earned more than $49,544 annually. The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas.  

Private employers paid Electronics Technicians in Michigan (late 2008):  

Electrical and Electronics Technicians employed by government agencies in Michigan earned the following annual salaries (early 2009):  

Benefits usually include paid vacations and holidays, life and health insurance, and retirement plans. Some employers also pay for the cost of additional education and offer savings or stock investment plans. Benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by employers.  

Electrical and Electronics Technicians usually start as trainees or apprentices. With training and experience, they are given additional responsibilities. Some may become supervisors. With additional college education, some Technicians advance to professional positions of engineer or scientist.   

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

In 2006, about 170,400 Electrical and Electronics Technicians were employed nationally. Employment is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2016.  

The industry distribution for Electrical and Electronic Technicians looked like this:  

To find employers, click Employer/Business Locator.

Opportunities will be best for graduates of 2-year postsecondary school technician programs. Since many jobs for Electrical and Electronics Technicians are defense related, cutbacks in defense spending could result in layoffs in defense-related industries.  

There are about 4,250 Electrical and Electronics Technicians employed in Michigan. Most worked in urban areas. They were employed by wholesale distributors of electrical machinery, equipment, and supplies, as well as by manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment, components, and consumer products; transportation equipment; primary or fabricated metal products, machinery, and scientific instruments. Most of the others performed various maintenance or repair services for businesses and contracting companies.  

Employment of Electrical and Electronics Technicians in Michigan is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2016. An average of 115 yearly openings is expected, with 30 due to growth and 85 to replacement of those who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. More openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.  

Growth in the employment of these Technicians is expected because of greater use of electrical power, the need for more technicians to assist the growing number of scientists and engineers, the increase in electronic automation, and the growth of such fields as environmental cleanup and energy production.  

MICHIGAN 'S EMPLOY MENT OUTLOOK TO 2016

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Copyright © 2009 Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth