Electronics Service Technicians

High School

If you are considering a career as an electronics service technician, you can begin preparing while still in high school by taking as many science and mathematics courses as possible. At minimum, you should take algebra, geometry, physics, and chemistry. Other useful classes are English, communications, applied mathematics, computer science, and shop classes. Shop classes that teach the basics of electricity and the use of hand tools and provide an introduction to electronic measurement devices and testing equipment are especially helpful. English and communications classes help provide you with the language skills you will need to read electronics texts and manuals comfortably and to express yourself well when making spoken and written proposals.

Postsecondary Training

Most service technicians have at least an associate's degree in electronics technology. These degrees can typically be obtained at either a technical institute or community college. Community colleges and technical schools offer both one- and two-year programs that provide more extensive training in electronics. One-year programs concentrate on electronics and related courses and result in certification in a specific area of study. Two-year programs include electronics courses and other more in-depth courses that result in an associate's degree. Most employers prefer to hire graduates of two-year programs.

In addition to electronic technology, community colleges and technical schools may offer other, similar programs such as electronics and electrical/electronics technology. These programs are usually broad-based electronics programs geared to electronics technicians in general, rather than specifically to service technicians.

Students enrolled in a one-year program may take classes such as electronic assembly techniques, electronic circuits, and technical mathematics. Students in two-year programs will study those topics, as well as physics, computer information systems, electronic drafting, microprocessors, digital electronics, applied electronics, electronic instruments and measurements, and communication electronics. Many students also take technical writing. Other classes may focus on specific types of repairs, such as servicing computer monitors or home theater systems.

Students who are unable to attend a vocational school or technical institute may wish to consider opportunities provided by the military. The military offers extensive training in electronics to members of the armed forces and provides valuable practical experience. Visit https://www.todaysmilitary.com/careers-benefits/explore-careers to learn more about training and careers in the military.

In some cases, workers learn through an apprenticeship program, which combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. This is not as common for electronics service technicians, however, as for other types of electronics technicians. Apprenticeships generally last four years.

Extensive on-the-job training is becoming much less common. Whereas shops formerly provided complete on-the-job instruction for untrained employees, they now usually limit such training to current employees—delivery drivers, antenna installers, and so forth—who show a basic understanding of electronics, an aptitude for careful work, and an interest in learning. Such opportunities usually occur in shops that place a higher value on practical experience than on theory. Even so, individuals in such programs will have to supplement their practical training with evening school or home study courses.

Other Education or Training

The American Society of Certified Engineering Technicians offers educational sessions at its annual conference that may be of interest to electronics service technicians. Equipment manufacturers may also offer short courses regarding the repair and regular maintenance of their products.