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Electronic Equipment Technician


(Technician (Electronic Equipment))

Fact Sheet

Selecting components to be installed in a new computer system

Selecting components to be installed in a new computer system

Electronic equipment technicians install, service and repair electronic equipment for industrial, commercial and domestic purposes. They work on machines and equipment which include televisions, stereos, computers, radios and microwave ovens; radio communications equipment (e.g. two-way radio transceivers, CB radio, radio and TV broadcast and studio equipment); video arcade machines, microphones and public address systems.

Duties and Tasks

Electronic equipment technicians may perform the following tasks:

  • talk to clients about their equipment problems
  • test and check electronic circuits, resistors, transistors, integrated circuits and capacitors
  • solder connections or replace faulty parts
  • install, service and repair communication equipment such as transceivers in ships, aircraft and vehicles
  • install, service and repair commercial and domestic equipment such as television systems, closed-circuit networks and radios on clients' premises.

Specialisations

Electronic equipment technicians may specialise as computer technicians, radio technicians, security and fire alarm systems technicians, television technicians or video technicians. With further training and experience, they may move into areas like design and modification of components and equipment.

Quick Facts

Learning Area
School subjects that include some aspect of MATHEMATICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a mathematics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.

School subjects that include some aspect of PHYSICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a physics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Work Demands
The work environment in these jobs generally contains higher than average levels of dust, pollen, fumes, gases or other matter which are likely to aggravate respiratory illnesses such as asthma.

These jobs require you to be able to see clearly to examine items close-up. It covers jobs where poor vision e.g. tunnel vision, could make the work place unsafe or the job difficult to undertake, e.g. draftsperson working with detailed drawings; checkout operator reading dockets; work requiring good hand-eye co-ordination for working with precision or semi-precision tools.

Hot, cold or humid environment
These jobs are generally performed in an unusually hot, cold or humid environment, so may be unsuitable for people who have diabetes or other conditions aggravated by extremes of temperature or humidity.

Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than three-quarters of their day outdoors, exposed to the weather. They may report back to an office, station, depot or other central site.

The main duties and tasks involved in these jobs require daily physical exertion, such as bending and twisting, lifting, climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying or other effort where physical fitness is required. People with heart, back or other conditions who should avoid physical strain may wish to avoid these jobs.
Work Fields
Included are all types of engineering and technical jobs, including support jobs such as draftspersons and technicians.

Metal, Electrical and Automotive
Included are jobs involved in metal fitting and machining, forging, sheetmetal work, metal casting and finishing and other metal tradespersons, jobs in the electrical and electronics fields, such as fitting, appliance servicing, refrigeration and airconditioning, electrical mechanics, communications equipment, and jobs in the automotive industry.
Work Interests
These jobs involve WORKING WITH IDEAS to investigate or seek solutions to scientific, technical, social or other issues. Activities include observing, researching, analysing and interpreting results. The ability to develop theories, apply logic and explore abstract ideas in a specialist area of knowledge is important.

These jobs involve WORKING WITH THINGS, using the hands, or special tools or equipment to make, fix, install or adjust them. Activities include doing practical and physical tasks, and may require an understanding of how equipment or machinery works.
Skill Levels
These jobs do not usually require completion of secondary education, however further part-time study usually at Certificate III level, and on-the-job training offered as an apprenticeship, is required.

Work Conditions

Electronic equipment technicians may work in workshops, in private homes or in manufacturers' factories. They may be required to work in confined spaces, and have to sit or stand for long periods. They may also be required to work at heights on masts, towers and roofs. Some may have considerable contact with the public. An awareness of safety regulations is important and electronic equipment technicians must often wear and use supplied protective equipment to minimise risks.

Personal Requirements

  • good at technical things
  • able to perform routine repetitive tasks as well as non-routine or highly analytical tasks
  • able to work at heights and in confined spaces
  • able to work as part of a team
  • able to work with minimal supervision
  • good eyesight and normal colour vision

See State Specific Information below for further education and training options.

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