Electronics engineering technician

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship

University

You can do a foundation degree or higher national diploma in electrical and electronic engineering.

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

College

You could take a college course, which would teach you some of the skills needed for this job.

Relevant courses include:

• Level 3 Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
• Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Electronic Engineering or Electronic Systems Engineering

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
• 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through an engineering technician advanced apprenticeship.

You can also train to be an electronics technician in the Army

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• maths knowledge
• design skills and knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• complex problem-solving skills
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to work on your own
• thinking and reasoning skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• customer service skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• active listening skills
• problem-solving skills
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Electronics engineering technicians design, build and maintain electronic systems and components.

You may:

• use CAD software to design printed circuit boards and wiring diagrams
• research and develop new products
• test prototypes and analyse results
• find and fix faults in equipment
• build and install electronic manufacturing control systems
• set up maintenance schedules for equipment

Location : You could work at a manufacturing plant, in a laboratory or in an office.
Environment : Your working environment may be noisy.

Salary:

Starter : £21,000
Experienced : £37,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

41 - 43 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

With experience, you could become a project team leader or a maintenance or quality control manager.

You could also teach in a further education college .