Electrical Engineering Technician
What is the work like?
As an electrical engineering technician you would install, maintain and repair electrical equipment and controls across a wide range of industries, including:
- power generation and transmission – installing turbines, switchgear and cabled/overhead power lines and street lighting networks
- industrial machinery and equipment – making, fitting and repairing drives, motors and programmable logic control (PLC) panels
- transport – upgrading rail electrification and signalling systems
- building services infrastructure – installing and maintaining lighting, heating, air conditioning, lifts and escalators.
You would follow engineering instructions and use wiring and circuit diagrams when working on installations and repairs. You would also use a range of tools to calibrate, inspect and test equipment and machinery to make sure they are working correctly and safely.
As an experienced technician you may be responsible for drawing up preventative maintenance rotas and carrying out quality control checks, for example on production line machinery.
You would normally work as part of a team, often supervising fitters and operators.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
As an alternative, you could take a college qualification, which would give you some of the skills needed for the job. Relevant courses include:
- BTEC National Certificate and Diploma in Operations and Maintenance Engineering
- BTEC National Certificate and Diploma in Electrical Engineering
- City & Guilds Progression Award in Electrical and Electronics Servicing (6958)
- City & Guilds Certificate in Electrotechnical Technology (2330).
See the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), SEMTA and Women into Science, Engineering and Construction for details about electrical engineering as a career. The Engineering Training Council (Northern Ireland) also has careers information and a course database for colleges in that area.
What further training and development can I do?
You could take one of a number of work-based NVQ qualifications, depending on your job role, such as:
- Performing Engineering Operations levels 1 and 2
- Electrical and Electronics Servicing levels 2 and 3
- Engineering Maintenance and Installation (Electrical) Level 2 (includes lifts and stairlifts)
- Process Engineering Maintenance (Electrical) levels 2 and 3
- Installing and Commissioning Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment (Plant) Level 3
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Level 3
- Electricity System Technology Engineering levels 2 and 3 (covers power generation, distribution systems and decommissioning).
You could also take the NVQ in Electrotechnical Services, which has several options: installation, maintenance, instrumentation, public lighting, panel building and electrical machine repair and rewind.
Your employer may ask you to take the City & Guilds Inspection, Testing and Certification of Installations (2391) and City & Guilds 17th Edition IEE Wiring Regulations (2382). Check with local colleges and training providers to see which of these awards is the most appropriate to your job.
As a technician, you could continue to study part-time for a BTEC HNC or HND in Electrical Engineering. Degree courses in electrical engineering are also widely available, which could lead to full qualification as an electrical engineer. See the IET website for details of colleges and universities offering these higher-level courses.
If you are an experienced electrical technician, you could register with the Engineering Council to gain EngTech status to help with your professional development.
Where can I go for more information?
Interpoint20-24 York Street
Belfast
BT15 1AQ
Tel: 028 9032 9878
London
WC2R 0BL
Tel: 020 7240 1871
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0JT
Tel: 0800 282167
Weston House
246 High Holborn
London
WC1B 7EX
Tel: 020 3206 0408
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries for electrical engineering technicians are between £18,500 and £24,000 a year.
- Experienced technicians can earn between £25,000 and £36,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work a 40-hour week, including shiftwork and overtime. You might also have on-call duties to respond to out-of-hours problems.
Your working environment would depend on your job but could include office, factory, workshop, power station or research facility.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- ability in maths, science and technology
- excellent problem-solving skills
- good numeracy and IT skills
- excellent practical skills
- the ability to communicate with staff at all levels
- the ability to read engineering drawings and diagrams
- a willingness to keep up to date with new developments
- good teamworking skills
- normal colour vision
- an awareness of electrical health and safety issues.
What opportunities are there?
Your prospects are very good for finding work as a qualified electrical technician. You could work in a range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, power and civil engineering. You could also find work in the public services and the armed forces.
With experience, you could move into supervisory jobs, electrical design work or take further training to become an engineer. Self-employment as an electrical sub-contractor may be another option.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
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JustEngineers.net
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