How to become an 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
39 years
Future Growth
Decline
Gender Share
4% female
Average full-time
43 hours
Weekly Pay
$1,348
Skill level rating
Medium skill
Unemployment
Average unemployment
Full-Time Share
78% Full-Time
Employment Size
16,600 workers
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%
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%
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%