Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians provide technical support and services in the design, development, testing, production and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems. People in this career should have a solid ability in science, math and programming, and practical, hands-on skills in system design and assembly. They should be precise and detailed, skilled at problem solving and able to clearly communicate technical information. It’s important to have knowledge of a range of electrical and electronics codes and standards related to their work. In this job, individuals may need to work on their own or as a part of a team. Watch the video below to see what a day in the life of an electrical technologist is like.
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:
People in this job usually work a regular 40-hour week. Overtime may be required to complete projects on time or to repair critical machinery. Technologists and technicians work indoors in offices, industrial complexes, production plants, power generation facilities and construction sites. Outdoor work may be needed at times and workers may be exposed to various weather conditions. Individuals need to be able to lift heavy objects. They must take safety precautions because they work with electrical equipment and machinery and may be exposed to toxic chemicals.
Source: 2016 Census
Completion of a college diploma or a diploma of technology from a polytechnic institute is usually required. In B.C. professional certification or registration is not mandatory for this occupation; however, it increases employment opportunities and professional recognition. Registration 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 a minimum of two years of industry work experience. Technician certification requires completion of a shorter certificate program and a minimum of two years of industry work experience. Individuals may also get certified by successfully passing several 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 is necessary to remain current in the field. Individuals can look for 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!
Expanding infrastructure networks and support for communications services, such as cellular phones, wireless email and the Internet continue to provide employment opportunities. Individuals work for electrical utilities, communications and biomedical engineering companies, manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment, consulting firms, government and in the manufacturing, processing and transportation industries. People in this career need to keep up to date with recent advances in technology, codes and other regulations. They often need to take additional training or develop professionally. Workers who upgrade their skills have an advantage looking for work. The industry is moving away from using fossil fuels and moving towards alternate energy sources. Workers with specialization in alternate energy and transportation fields will be in higher demand.
Career paths
Graduates of a college or polytechnical institute usually take entry level jobs with municipalities, communications and power utilities, equipment manufacturers and consulting engineering companies. They may move into supervisory or management positions in engineering, production or operations with five to 10 years of experience. Individuals who have completed business courses may have better chances of being promoted to a management position. People in this career may choose to specialize in related occupations, such as technical sales, electronics service technology, instrument technology and avionics technology.
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