Electronics technicians fix and install electronic equipment, from home stereos to medical equipment and radar communication systems. A high school diploma and on-the-job training or coursework is required, with a two-year associate’s degree recommended. Certification and strong analytical and problem-solving skills are also important.
Electronics technicians make their living fixing, maintaining and installing electronic equipment. The types of electronics that technicians work on can range from home stereos to medical equipment and radar communication systems; so having an idea of what area you want to work in can be important to focus your training on. To become an electronics technician, you usually need at least a high school diploma and on-the-job training or some coursework in the field. A two-year associate’s degree from a community college is highly recommended, as many employers will seek some formal education beyond high school. Some employers prefer a bachelor’s degree.
To prepare to become an electronics technician while still in high school, take computer classes in addition to math and science courses. If your school offers a technology or electronics course, as some do, be sure to take it. Attending high school reading and writing courses is important because electronics technicians must read schematics, specifications, and other technical material; you may also be required to prepare written reports when you become an electronics technician. Certification for beginners in the field is offered to high school students through The Electronics Association International, also known as ETA International, and an optional hands-on portion of the certification can provide valuable training.
Basic and more advanced certifications for working electronics technicians are also available through ETA. The International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET) also offers various levels of certification, from associate to traveler. The organization also provides initial or student certification, and both ISCET and ETA have student chapters. Certification is worth considering when trying to become an electronics technician because it can make you more marketable to employers. Joining chapters of student organizations in your career field can provide greater knowledge and networking opportunities.
Other skills that are useful for electronics technicians include strong analytical and problem-solving skills in order to identify problems or potential problems. Detailed orientation and good hand-eye coordination are important for working with small or delicate parts, as is the mechanical ability to understand how things fit together and fall apart. Good comprehension skills are required to understand oral or written instructions and be able to follow instructions. Having a lot of patience can also be important for electronics technicians when troubleshooting components or systems.
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