Fixing, maintaining, and installing electronic equipment is what electronics technicians do for a living. Equipment technicians work on a wide range of electronics, from home stereos to medical equipment to radar communication systems, so knowing what area you want to work in can help you focus your training. A high school diploma and on-the-job training or some coursework in the field are usually required to work as an electronics technician. Because many employers will look for some formal education beyond high school, a two-year associate’s degree from a community college is highly recommended. A bachelor’s degree is preferred some employers.
Take computer classes as well as math and science courses in high school to prepare for a career as an electronics technician. If your high school offers technology or electronics courses, take advantage of them. Because electronics technicians must read schematics, specifications, and other technical material, it is important to pay attention in reading and writing classes in high school. You may also be required to prepare written reports when working as an electronics technician. The Electronics Association International, also known as ETA International, offers beginner certification in the field to high school students, and an optional hands-on portion of the certification can provide valuable training.
ETA also offers certifications for working electronics technicians, both basic and advanced. From associate to journeyman, the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET) offers various levels of certification. ISCET and ETA both have student chapters, and the organization also offers a beginner or student certification. When it comes to becoming an electronics technician, certification is important to consider because it can make you more marketable to employers. Joining student chapters of organizations in your field can help you gain more knowledge and expand your network.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities are also beneficial for electronics technicians in order to identify issues or potential issues. Working with small or delicate parts necessitates a strong attention to detail and good hand-eye coordination, as well as mechanical ability to understand how things fit together and come apart. It is necessary to have good comprehension skills in order to understand oral or written instructions and to be able to follow directions. When troubleshooting components or systems, having a lot of patience can come in handy for electronics technicians.