Electronics Service Technicians

Employers

Approximately 24,720 audiovisual equipment installers and repairers are employed in the United States. Technicians who specialize in servicing home entertainment equipment usually work in electronics service centers, in stores that sell home entertainment equipment, or in electronics repair shops. There are several medium-sized to large chains of electronics superstores scattered throughout the United States. Best Buy is one of the largest. Most of these types of chain stores employ technicians in their service departments. There are also many small, independently owned electronics repair shops, found in virtually every city. The best way to locate these small independent shops is to do an Internet search or check the area's Yellow Pages under Electronic Equipment, Electronics Service, or Electronics Repair.

Starting Out

Most people enter this field after completing some type of formal training program in a technical school or community college. Employers generally prefer to hire graduates of two-year programs in electronics or a related field. Students who are enrolled in a community college or technical institute may learn about job openings through their schools' job placement services. They may also find out about job openings or prospective employers through contacts they make during training and through teachers and school administrators.

Applicants may also apply directly to a company that hires electronics service technicians, such as a service department of a large retail firm, a specialty shop that sells and repairs electronic equipment, or a shop that specializes in electronics repairs. Most companies provide some sort of on-the-job training, either through classes in repair techniques or by assigning new workers to work with an experienced worker who trains them and supervises their work. In some cases, especially for workers who have not completed technical training, new workers require a year of shop supervision before they are able to work independently without the direction of a more experienced electronics technician.