Electronic Engineering Technicians

With constant evolution in electronics, a career as an Electronic Engineering Technician is challenging but rewarding. The job of these technicians is to solve technical problems in research and development, manufacturing, sales, construction, inspection, and maintenance by using science, engineering and mathematical principles. They often assist engineers and scientists. Electronic engineering technicians normally work 40 hours a week and spend their time in labs, offices and manufacturing plants. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that jobs in the field are expected to grow by five per cent between 2008 and 2018.

The electronic field is split into two categories — hands-on and theoretical. In the hands-on aspect of the electronic engineering technician field, techs may fabricate parts such as coils, terminal boards and chassis, using bench lathes, drills and other machine tools. They may also write computer or microprocessor software programs and test the electronic units that they’re helped to put together. If there are problems, the techs will identify and resolve equipment malfunctions. Lastly, the professionals in this field may have to provide user applications and engineering support for new and existing equipment with regard to installation, upgrades and enhancement.

On the theoretical side, electronics engineering technicians may research equipment and component needs, sources, competitive prices, delivery times and ongoing operational costs. They may also write reports and record data on testing techniques, laboratory equipment and specifications to assist engineers while also maintaining system logs and manuals, reading blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings and engineering instructions for assembling electronic units.

No matter where your interest lies, you must first attend an Electronics Engineering Technician program, such as the one offered at Centennial College in Toronto. During the two years that it takes to complete the undertaking, you will develop technical expertise in areas such as wireless communications, data communications, microcontrollers and industrial systems.

This is achieved through courses such as Electronics Shop Practices (students gain practical skills in repairing and testing cables, transformers, potentiometers, connectors, switches, speakers, discrete components and integrated circuits); Digital Electronics (introduces digital circuits); Technology Mathematics (covers intermediate topics in algebra and trigonometry); Microcontrollers (introduces students to the basic concepts of the hardware and software of a microcontroller); and more. Working in fully-equipped labs will help to ensure you understand the topics well. You’ll also gain experience working with computers, communication transceivers and electronics testing and measurement equipment. At the end of two years of study, students with a minimum 2.0 GPA can transfer directly into the fifth semester of the technologist program.

To become an Electronics Engineering Technician, the appropriate education is required. Centennial College offers a two-year program in this field that sees students graduate with an Ontario College Diploma. Gaining entry into the undertaking requires the possession of an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or being 19 years of age or older. You must also have compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and Math 11M or U, or 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent.