Electronics Engineering Technician

[Deadwood]

I live in Ontario and am looking to go back to school for Electronics Engineering Technician....not engineering but a 2 year diploma for technician level through Second Career funding.

I want to know what educational requirements and/or experience are employers looking for when hiring? Any recommendations of courses or experience?

I have many more questions... 20 of them...before I make a career change to this field, so if anyone would like to help me that would be great.

[Deadwood]

Really, nobody? You don't have to be from Ontario.

[tobyaxis]

They probably don't know. I don't. I'm thinking about changing careers too.

[CJL5585]

Originally Posted by Deadwood I want to know what educational requirements and/or experience are employers looking for when hiring? Any recommendations of courses or experience?

Well, first of all, if you have lots of electronic experience and training, you will find out that employers are looking to hire someone for an entry level position with entry level salary.

Secondly, many employers in the US do not know the difference between an electronic technician and an electrician. They think that a technician is just a highly skilled electrician. There used to be lots of these jobs with low to medium wages. In the US that would be $8.00 to $12.00 per hour.

Well educated Electronic Engineering Techs with lots of experience can make upwards of $60,000.00 per year in the US, but only with Fortune 250 and 500 companies. Occasional jobs come open at small technology companies with very reasonable salary.

In my career in electronics, my highest paying position was working for the government in electronic security which required training and experience in microwaves, UHF, VHF, and satellite communications, pulsed laser systems, computerized and wireless remote control camera installations, electronic security fencing systems, computer controlled doors, locks, phone systems, etc. However, in this field one should be able to integrate various elements into a system, and be proficient in the installation, troubleshooting, and repair of these types of equipment.

What I would consider as an experienced electronic engineering tech would be an individual who could troubleshoot any type equipment, using almost any make or type of test equipment to the component level, and be competent in the repair of same. I realize that in today's world this is almost a lost art, being that we live in a throw-away society.

I was in this field for 40+ years until I took early retirement. Working with leading edge technology will take it's toll on one due to the fact that some companies will want equipment repaired that they only have partial schematics, and very little documentation especially when they design and build prototype units.

Training courses will consist of Fundamentals of AC and DC voltage and current, resistors, capacitors, inductors, fuses, current conductors and insulating materials. It should also include designing, building, troubleshooting of some small really simple circuits from breadboards or kits. It will include different types of motors, generators, and so forth. To specialize in certain areas, one must have training in the areas that are required, whether it is in something like a licensed function (controlled by the government or state), or in industrial electronics (robots, CNC machines, lasers, etc) or something as simple as home computer repairs.


My recommendation would be to discuss your ambitions with a college instructor who teaches electronics. Most likely they will be able to give you up to date information on the changes in the field, and can give you very good ideas on salary, benefits, and so forth.

Here's wishing you the best. Electronics is not a field for the faint hearted, nor for the individual who cannot believe solely in theory. One cannot see voltage or current, just a reading of what is present, how long it is present, how it reacts while present, and the end result. In essence, the last sentence defines the whole field of electronics.

Hope this helps.

[Al_The_Man]

Another area that potential employers look for is a proficiency in PLC control, much of factory automation has converted over to this for some years now.
One thing I see as I visit different facilities or are called in to help trouble shoot problems, is the inability to logical trouble shoot.
You often see a prevalence of hit-and-miss diagnosing, or lack of.
It is very important to know how to read prints and schematics, these are one of your most valuable tools.
Al.

[CJL5585]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Man Another area that potential employers look for is a proficiency in PLC control, much of factory automation has converted over to this for some years now. One thing I see as I visit different facilities or are called in to help trouble shoot problems, is the inability to logical trouble shoot. You often see a prevalence of hit-and-miss diagnosing, or lack of. It is very important to know how to read prints and schematics, these are one of your most valuable tools. Al.

I agree with Al. This is a very good field to get into these days, and some community colleges offer courses on the programming, troubleshooting methods, and repair of PLC's.

Only thing is, there are many manufacturers of PLC's and they are simular, but yet different in programming, so one would need to know something about the different models, as factories sometimes will have PLC's from several manufacturer's in-house, especially if they purchase a machine with PLC controls.

With any kind of background in PLC's, you should be able to get a job, maybe not the one you want, but be able to have steady employment in this economy.(US here)

Jerry

[Deadwood]

I agree, I do see job ads including PLCs mostly on Millwrights, which I do have a diploma in. Programming is something I'm seriously going to learn cause what is the point of having electronic components if you can't control or tell them what to do.

The problem with the 2 years of schooling I'm looking at is it is basic/introductory knowledge in areas like programming. It is however strong in areas of troubleshooting, diagnosing, component theory/fundamentals, process control and automation( I believe that covers PLCs).

I'm not interested working as a sales representive, satellite installer, or telecommunication...which are areas that are increasing.

What I want to do or will have to do at start is be an electronics assembler in a company that will support continuous education....I'll go back part-time to become a Technologist so I can work more with engineers assisting in testing, designing and developing subassemblies, prototypes and what have you....I think I will be comfortable in this postion....more paperwork though...

If I chose to I could step it up to engineering level...though I doubt this due to expense and length.

What I would like to know is do you find your career field challenging and personally satisfying? Why?

And ofcourse, what is the future outlook in this occupation? New development/technology?

I know it involves continuous education, but what other areas are needed other than what has been covered...programming, troubleshooting, PLC...seems like to me TELECOMMUNICATIONS field will continue to change and is a large industry...CJL5585 has been very helpful pointing this out.

Thanks to everyone so far

[Deadwood]

One more thing.

I'm also going to be relocating in an area referred to as "Tri-Tech", consists of some cities in very close proximity to each other...Waterloo Region, Ontario....which is close to the GTA(greater toronto area)

This will get me into the technology hub where innovation takes place....MAXIMIZE job opportunities...RIM who created the Blackberry is located here.

[Al_The_Man]

Originally Posted by Deadwood What I would like to know is do you find your career field challenging and personally satisfying? Why? And ofcourse, what is the future outlook in this occupation? New development/technology?

I developed an interest in Electrical/electronic technology at an early age and have seen the changes from tubes to transistors to IC's, and have been fortunate enough to work in many fields of electronics, if you work hard at it, and get good at it, it is rewarding and trust me, you will be in demand.
I always say, I didn't work a day in my life, because when it became 'work' I moved on to other areas.
If you end up in a position where you can design or retro-fit systems, it is especially challenging as you rarely cover the same ground twice.
If you have the required aptitude for a particular career, then you are on your way to 'not working a day in your life'.
Many people have not figured out what Einstein meant in his quote in my sign off.
Al.

[ViperTX]

Not to discourage you, but personally I see anything related to manufacturing as future unemployment.

Personally, if I were entering the job market in the next few years I would focus on courses and work related to computer forensics, computer security, the type of work which can't be outsourced because of National/State/Province security concerns.

Paul

[Deadwood]

That brings up a question about specializing.

Should I look at being an electronics technician in:

Computers
Communications
Broadband Cable
Industrial Controls

These are being offered at colleges.

Or should I stick with Electronics Engineering Technician as a whole...it does cover the above...just not in such detail...more repairing, troubleshooting, analyzing...personally I think this will be a strong foundation upon which I could build on later as I see a need or interest.

[Al_The_Man]

Once you have a solid general background then you can look for the field that interests you the most.
Al.