Support engineers by building and testing electronic systems.

Electronic engineering technicians help develop, test and repair electronic equipment. They follow instructions and manuals to construct and check circuits. Technicians estimate material costs, measure performance, and make sure designs meet specifications and regulations. They install, repair and modify equipment, and inspect finished products to ensure quality.

For further information:

Engineers Australia (SA Division)
Phone: 1300 653 113
Email: sa@engineersaustralia.org.au
Website: www.engineersaustralia.org.au

TAFE SA offers courses relevant to this occupation including the Diploma of Electronics and Communications Engineering and Associate Degree in Electronic Engineering. Pathways include the Certificate II and III in Data and Voice Communications, Certificate II in Electronics and Certificate III in Electronics and Communications.

Studying at TAFE SA is one of the easiest and most successful pathways towards a University Degree. A dual offer courses is available to TAFE SA and Flinders University in Associate Degree in Electronic Engineering/Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics) (Honours).

A dual offer course is also available with Adelaide University in the Associate Degree in Electronic Engineering/Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) (Honours).

SA Apprenticeships are available in this occupation for further information go to the Traineeship & Apprenticeship Services Website at http://www.skills.sa.gov.au/apprenticeships-traineeships or phone the Freecall number 1800 673 097.

There are a number of specialised areas where electronic engineering technicians work. For example, in the telecommunications industry, an electronic engineer is known as a communications engineer. Software engineering is another specialist area of electronic engineering as is computer systems engineering.

There are excellent employment opportunities in this fast growing area, but the demand for electronic engineering technicians differs according to their area of speciality. There is an expanding market for the design and testing of integrated circuits for devices such as mobile phones, modems and instrumentation. Due to an increasing demand for these devices, as well as increasing cost and reliability issues, new 'specialist' design companies are being created to service niche markets. The demand for electronic engineering technicians who focus on this area of electronic engineering has increased accordingly. In addition, electronic engineers are at the leading edge of the development of wireless and data network components and communications systems such as that used in the defence force. This has in turn resulted in better employment opportunities for electronic engineers employed in that industry. Recent developments in mining technology is creating new opportunities for electronic engineering technicians, however, this is dependent on the level of activity in the mining industry. Opportunities, however, in microelectronics and integrated circuit manufacturing tend to be better interstate and overseas.

Electrical engineering technicians are involved in the planning, design, selection, installation, starting up, and maintenance of electrical equipment, facilities, power-plant installations, parts and distribution systems. Electrical engineering associates usually work on a range of duties that lie between the trade levels and technologist levels.

Federal, state and territory government departments, private manufacturing organisations and suppliers of electrical and power electronic equipment employ electrical engineering associates, as do the mining and processing, and paper and chemical industries, and vehicle manufacturers. They can work on-site or in offices, in technical laboratories or workshops, power stations and control centres.

Because most of an electronic engineering technician's work involves applying the principles of mathematics and physics, a good understanding and practical ability in these areas are important. It will also pay to have a curious mind and an interest in how electronic appliances work. Good communication skills are also important as electronics engineers often work in teams. Constant changes in technology mean that an electronic engineering associate's skill base needs to change at the same rate, so continuing professional development is a big part of an electronic engineering career. Keeping up to date with new developments in IT, telecommunications and engineering provides a rewarding stimulus to a career in electronic engineering.