Guide To A Successful Electronics Technician Career Path

We took a close look at the jobs that stood strong despite the pandemic.  And it is not surprising that the field of electronics is one of those on top of the list. Thus this is good news for you!  Because this is the best time to improve your skills as an electronics technician.

Our mobile phones, tablets, and laptops are some of our most important work essentials. Therefore, your skill as an electronics technician is important. And in addition, it is in demand. 

Find out what to expect from an electronics technician career path.

What does an Electronics Technician do?

As an electronics tech, you focus on gadget issues. To explain further, you fix broken parts of electronics equipment and make them work again. Nice! But of course, you are not only a repairman. Because in addition to this, you have the ability to build electronic gadgets too. Due to your knowledge of wiring and parts.

What are the tasks of an Electronics Technician?

Tasks of an Electronics Technicians are the following: 

• Fix problems in circuits and other systems
• Estimate damage and compute the cost of materials
• Set up electronic systems
• Monitor and report the progress of a project
• Make and connect systems (e.g. cables, wiring, etc)
• Create job reports that include diagnosis, solutions, and remarks
• List electronic parts
• Test system functions
• Run performance tests on electronic devices 
• Create models based on guides
• Use tools to build and fix
• Read and understand manuals 
• Work with engineers and other professionals on technical jobs

Check out the following areas where electronic technicians are needed:

• Fuel
• Production
• Power  
• Military
• Home service 
• Car industry 
• Real Estate and Construction

Salary Range

The usual salary of an electronics technician is 196,183 pesos per year. In addition to this, there are bonuses from your employer. Not to mention the tips you will receive from your happy customers.

Apart from all these, profit-sharing is also possible,  especially for technicians in electronics repair.  Aside from the financial reward you get from a job well done, there is also a good feeling of being a business partner.  

Hence you are given this perk.Furthermore, your skill level is an important factor for a better salary rate.

The Electronics Technician Career Path

There is a bright future for electronics technicians. Especially, if this is your passion and interest. 

Junior Level (1-3 years experience)

• Electronics Technician Trainee
• Technical Support Assistant
• Mobile Phone Technician 

Entry-level jobs are available here.

Mid Level (4-8 years experience) 

• Electronics Technician
• Technical Supervisor

Mid-level jobs are available here.

Senior-level (8 years or more) 

• Electronics Manager 
• Technical Head
• Electronics Product Head Supervisor

Senior-level jobs are available here

What do you need to become an Electronics Technician?

The following are skills that you need to be good in this field: 

Technical skills

• Mechanics
• Reading wiring images
• Understand circuits
• Analyze Systems
• Knowledge in Computer
• Install Software
• Eye-hand Coordination. You need eye-hand coordination for repairs. This may sound simple, but very important for handling small electronic spare parts and wires. 

Other skills

Aside from the technical skills listed above, there are also basic skills that you need to have. Check the list below to find out if you can become a good electronics technician:

• Problem-Solving. An electronics technician's most common task is to solve gadget issues. Therefore thinking skills are needed to analyze problems. And furthermore, to solve them.

• Communication. Secondly, communication skills are important.  This is because part of your job as an electronics technician is to make regular reports. In addition to this, you will have to communicate with people in the team.
• Organization. Lastly, electronic technicians need above-average organizational skills too.  Checking and maintenance of electronics equipment is your task. In addition to this, you will make job reports. And you will even make manuals if needed. 

Apart from the skills listed above, good health is also important. Because you will be standing up for hours every day. 

Educational background

TESDA, a skills training agency offers electronic technician courses. It would be good to check them out.

Take note that some companies ask for a two-year degree when you apply. You learn circuitry, electronics testing, and processors in this course. In addition, there can be subjects in math, physics, and computer too.

It is important to note that electrical courses are best learned face-to-face instead of online.

Certifications

You need a Board of Electronics Engineering certification for work. To get this, you should  pass the Electronics Technician (ECT) Licensure exams. The requirements are the following:

• NSO / PSA Birth Certificate
• NSO / PSA Marriage Contract (for married female applicants)
• Transcript of Records (TOR) with scanned picture and remarks “For Board Examination Purposes” (first-timers and repeaters)
• Payment of 900 pesos – complete
• Payment of 400 pesos for conditioned or removal
• One removal exam only

The exams cover the following subjects:

• Technical knowledge
• Laws and Ethics
• Basic Math
• Ohm’s law
• Electronic/Electrical Machine
• Electronic/ Electrical Component, Maintenance, and Repair
• Philippine Electrical Code
• Electronics Engineering Law of 2004 (R.A. No. 9292)

For more information on the ETC Licensure exam, click here. 

Opportunities for Continuous Education

If you want to advance in this field, then you may take a 4-year course. Although some businesses give on-the-job training (OJT) too. 

If you may choose to take a two-year course, then it is good to specialize in one of the following areas.  A focus area will make your knowledge more specialized, thus adding to your level of expertise. Not to mention, increase in salary grade. 

• Oil and Gas 
• Motor Vehicle 
• Shipping 
• Factories
• Real Estate and Construction 

Other electrician courses in the Philippines are the following

• Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II 
• Marine Electrician
• Industrial Motor Control
• High Voltage Cable Splicing and Termination 
• Masters Electrician 

How to write an Electronics Technician resume?

Show your ability as an Electronics Technician.  Impress hirers by presenting your work experience, relevant skills and education background. 

Download this Electronics Technician resume HERE.

Get More Career Insights from Jobstreet

Are you all set to take on the wiring and circuitry of the electronics industry? Update your career profile now and find #JobsthatMatter to you! For relevant advice, check out Jobstreets’s Career Resources page. Click here for job trend reports.