How to become an Electronics and Communications Technician

Electronics and Communications Technician

Electronics and communications technicians diagnose faults and repair electronic devices, including audiovisual, broadcast, business and medical equipment.

Personal requirements for an Electronics and Communications Technician

  • Enjoy mathematical and technical activities
  • Good hand-eye coordination
  • Good eyesight (may be corrected) and normal colour vision
  • Aptitude for mechanics and electronics
  • Able to do precise and detailed work
  • Good communication skills

Education & Training for an Electronics and Communications Technician

To become an electronics and communications technician you usually have to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10 and many prefer Year 12.


Additional information

Depending on the specific work being carried out, some electronics and communications technicians may be required to hold an electrical or electricians licence.

Duties & Tasks of an Electronics and Communications Technician

Electronics and communications technicians:

  • Attend to breakdowns in electronics and communications equipment
  • Diagnose, test and rectify faults in electronic circuits and apparatus
  • Troubleshoot digital subsystems, amplifiers and circuits
  • Find and repair faults in complex power supplies
  • Service broadcast, microwave and satellite technology
  • Service analogue, digital and data equipment and signals
  • Service fire and security alarm systems
  • Repair cameras, television receivers, DVD players, computers, and business and medical equipment
  • Dismantle, assemble and fabricate electrotechnology assemblies
  • Install extra low voltage wiring systems
  • Install electrical and electronic control systems.

Tasks

  • Applies knowledge of electrical, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic principles in commissioning and maintaining control systems.
  • Installs electronic instruments and control systems.
  • Adjusts, repairs, replaces worn and defective parts and wiring, and maintains machines, equipment and instruments, advises users of correct operating procedures to prevent malfunction.
  • Examines and tests machines, equipment, instruments and control systems to diagnose faults.

Working conditions for an Electronics and Communications Technician

Electronics and communications technicians may work in workshops, private homes or manufacturers' factories. They may have a considerable amount of contact with the public. They may also work in confined spaces, have to stand for long periods and be required to work at heights on masts, towers and roofs.Electronics and communications technicians must be aware of safety regulations and are often required to wear and use supplied protective equipment.


Employment Opportunities for an Electronics and Communications Technician

Electronics and communications technicians are employed in the manufacturing, mining, construction, housing and domestic, communication services, medical, wholesale and retail industries. Some work as contractors on their own behalf, while others are employed by other contractors. Promotion to supervisory, engineering and management positions is possible with experience and further training. Job opportunities depend on the level of activity in the economy, especially in the building, mining, mineral processing, petrochemical and manufacturing industries. They also depend on consumer spending, particularly in the electronics sector.


Specializations

Electronics and Communications Technician

Electronics and communications technicians diagnose faults and repair electronic devices, including audiovisual, broadcast, business and medical equipment.

  • Average age
    Average age
    40
  • Future Growth
    Future Growth
    N/A
  • Gender Share
    Gender Share
    5% female
  • Average full-time
    Average full-time
    42 hours
  • Weekly Pay
    Weekly Pay
    N/A
  • Skill level rating
    Skill level rating
    Medium skill
  • Unemployment
    Unemployment
    Average unemployment
  • Full-Time Share
    Full-Time Share
    73%
  • Employment Size
    Employment Size
    15,000
  • Employment Size
    Employment by state
    ACT: 1.7%
    NSW: 32.4%
    NT: 1.0%
    QLD: 21.9%
    SA: 6.2%
    TAS: 1.7%
    VIC: 25.2%
    WA: 10.0%
  • Employment Size
    Age brackets
    15-19: 2.9%
    20-24: 9.7%
    25-34: 26.1%
    35-44: 23.2%
    45-54: 20.6%
    55-59: 8.6%
    60-64: 5.7%
    65 and Over: 3.2%
  • Employment Size
    Education level
    Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 16.5%
    Bachelor degree: 13.9%
    Certificate III/IV: 35.3%
    Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 3.4%
    Year 10 and below: 7.4%
    Year 11: 3.8%
    Year 12: 19.7%
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