Engineering Technicians

If you are interested in a career as an engineering technician, you can gain relevant experience by taking shop courses, joining electronics or radio clubs in school, and assembling electronic equipment with commercial kits.

You should take every opportunity to discuss the field with people working in it. Try to visit a variety of different kinds of engineering facilities—service shops, manufacturing plants, and research laboratories—either through individual visits or through field trips organized by teachers or school counselors. These visits will provide a realistic idea of the opportunities in the different areas of the industry. If you enroll in a community college or technical school, you may be able to secure internships with local employers through your school's career services office. Internships are valuable ways to gain experience while still in school.

The Technology Student Association (TSA) provides students a chance to explore career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, enter academic competitions, and participate in summer exploration programs. TSA administers a competition called The Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Science (https://tsaweb.org/teams) that allows high school students to demonstrate their technology skills. For more competitions, visit https://www.careercornerstone.org/pcprogproj.htm.