Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians:
Source: Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Note:Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Source: 2021 Job Bank Wage Report
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook
10 year expected job openings: 2,020
Electrical and electronics engineering technologists:
Electrical and electronics engineering technicians:
Workers in this occupational group typically work a regular 37 to 40-hour week, however, overtime may be required in order to complete projects within time frames or repair critical machinery.
Technologists and technicians work indoors in offices, industrial complexes, production plants, power generation facilities and construction sites. Outdoor work may occur occasionally, during which workers are exposed to various weather conditions. Workers may also be required to lift heavy objects and must take safety precautions against exposure to electrical equipment, machinery and toxic chemicals.
Source: 2016 Census
Completion of a college diploma is usually required to work as an electrical or electronics engineering technologist or technician. In British Columbia, professional certification is not mandatory for this occupation; however, it greatly increases employment opportunities. Certification is available through the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC) and is transferable between provinces.
Technologist certification typically requires completion of a diploma program from an accredited institution and two years of industry work experience, while technician certification requires completion of a shorter certificate program and two years of industry work experience. Individuals may also obtain certification by successfully passing a number of challenge exams.
Electronics technicians generally complete a “common core” program to gain basic electronics skills before entering a specialized training program such as automation and robotics, computers, consumer electronics, telecommunications or other specializations.
Continuing technical education throughout an electrical or electronics engineering technologist or technician’s career is also necessary to remain current in the field. Individuals can seek out this additional training or it may be offered by employers or the industry.
For more information about programs offered specifically for this career, visit EducationPlannerBC.
Every job calls for a certain set of skills. Knowing those skills is the first step in finding a good career fit.
Here, you will find the 35 most relevant workplace skills. Some are more important to achieving success in a certain career than others. These skills may come naturally to you or you may need to gain them through education, training and experience.
See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. You’ll also find the skill strength needed, letting you know how capable you must be in that skill.
Check out the list and see if this career matches your skills—take that first step!
Job opportunities are expected to arise due to both retirement and the creation of new jobs.
Despite the lower number of openings expected in upcoming years as compared to other occupations, there is a shortage of graduates available to fill the jobs that arise. Industry sources report that technically-skilled graduates are in very high demand.
Expanding networks for communications services such as cellular phones, wireless email and broadband Internet have increased the demand for workers in associated technical occupations. The high-tech industry is growing rapidly, and the expansion of computers and computer equipment will require additional support by workers in this occupational group. Electrical utility companies have also experienced growth as B.C.'s population increases, which has also increased their demand for electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians.
However, as a result of much of the manufacturing moving offshore or out of the province, electronics technologists and technicians are currently not as highly sought after by employers.
Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians tend to be employed by a wide variety of industries, including communications, electrical and electronics manufacturing, government, utilities, wholesale trade and computer services. This broad employment base helps to diversify the employment opportunities for these workers.
Technical occupations in engineering have become increasingly computerized. In order for technicians and technologists to keep up to date with recent advances, they may need to undergo periods of training or professional development. Workers who continually upgrade their skills have an advantage over others seeking employment in these occupations.
Industry sources also report that movement away from the use of fossil fuels towards alternate energy sources means that individuals with specialization in alternate energy and transportation fields will be in higher demand.
Career paths
Graduates typically obtain entry level jobs with municipalities, communications and power utilities, and consulting engineering companies while also obtain sales and consulting positions.
Workers have many opportunities for specialization and also have the ability to move into related occupations such as technical sales, electronics service technology, instrument technology and avionics technology. A significant proportion of workers can expect to be recruited to supervisory or management positions within five to 10 years after graduating and may consider completing appropriate business-related courses in preparation.
Workers may progress to managerial positions in engineering, production or operations with experience.
Additional resources