Career Suggestion

Electronics engineering technician

Electronics engineering technicians design, build and maintain electronic systems and components.

Average salary (a year)

£26000.0 to £42000.0 (starter to experienced)

Typical hours (a week)

41.0 to 43.0

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship

University

You can do a foundation degree or higher national diploma in electrical and electronic engineering.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

More Information

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
  • university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

College

You could take a college course, which would teach you some of the skills needed in this job.

Relevant courses include:

  • electrical and electronic engineering
  • electronic systems engineering
  • T Level in Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing
  • T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
  • funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
  • search for courses|/find-a-course

Apprenticeship

You can apply for a place on an apprenticeship to start as a trainee, for example:

  • Engineering and Manufacturing Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
  • Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

You might do a Mechatronics Maintenance Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, if you want to work in the service and repair of production line machinery or robotics.

You can also train to be an electronics technician in the Army .

Foundation apprenticeship

You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.

If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
  • Army apprenticeships|https://jobs.army.mod.uk/regular-army/what-you-get/apprenticeships-skills/

More Information

Career Tips

You'll find career opportunities in many industries, including:

  • power generation
  • advanced manufacturing
  • robotics
  • medical technology
  • aerospace
  • defence

Further Information

You can find out more about training and careers in engineering from Tomorrow's Engineers and The Institution of Engineering and Technology .

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • maths knowledge
  • design skills and knowledge
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • analytical thinking skills
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Day-to-day tasks

As an electronics engineering technician, you could:

  • use CAD software to design printed circuit boards and wiring diagrams
  • research and develop new products with engineers
  • test prototypes and analyse results
  • find and fix faults in machinery and equipment
  • assemble and install electronic manufacturing control systems
  • calibrate electronic instruments
  • set up maintenance schedules for equipment servicing
  • make sure all work meets quality and safety standards

Working environment

You could work at a manufacturing plant, in a laboratory or in an office.

Your working environment may be noisy.

With experience and further training, you could become a project team leader, maintenance manager or electronics engineer.

You might work towards EngTech status , which demonstrates your skills and expertise in the industry.

You could also teach in a further education college .

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