There are several pros to becoming an electronic technician in Colorado, from minimum education requirements to the potential for high pay, but what is an electronic technician and how do you become one? Can you be a technician without electronic manufacturing certification? A professional electronics technician installs, repairs, tests, calibrates and maintains electronic components that power and operate a vast array of electronic equipment from televisions and vehicle audio systems to government radar control and communications equipment. While working with an electronic manufacturing certification company may not be strictly necessary, it will certainly help you be taken more seriously. If you’d like to become an electronic technician, follow these five key steps.
Get Some Training
This occupation is considered an apprenticeable position. You can find a company to mentor you and give you on-the-job training for several years through an apprenticeship program where you’d work under the supervision of and be guided by senior technicians who will show you the ropes. However, most employers prefer you to have formal training from a technical or vocational school or community college, whether that amounts to a diploma, certificate or associate’s degree. Choose a school that offers electrical engineering technology, electronic system technician, electronics technician, electronics technology or another similar program.
Specialize
No matter where you get your training, you’ll choose a specialization after learning the basics of electronics as a foundational unit. You can work with electric motors and generators, motor vehicle and transportation equipment, commercial and industrial equipment or relay and substation equipment, amongst several others.
Think Long and Hard About Getting Certified
While certification is not required to get in the door, it can be helpful for career advancement. Most companies will recommend you get it. You can take a certification course with an electronic manufacturing certification company to improve your chances of moving up the ladder and getting better pay.
Get Job Experience
Where you work will depend on what your specialization is and who hires you. For example, if you repair and install electronic equipment for automobiles, you may work for a specialty shop that sends you out to places of business or the homes of clients. However, if you specialize in substation equipment and work for an electronics manufacturer, you may end up in a factory.
Salary also changes based on specialization. Annual mean salaries have been shown to range from $36,170 to $90,570 with those working for the postal service or federal government earning some of the highest amounts.
Stay Current
It’s up to you to stay current in your field. Keeping up with industry guidelines, techniques and technologies is imperative for you to continue doing the best work. Many certifications require additional education before it comes time to renew. Some employers will offer industry updates and education, but it can also be found at technical schools and trade organizations that provide electronic manufacturing certification.
If you’ve been trained and are looking for certification, Blackfox has the programs you need.
Contact us to jumpstart your career.
