Electrical Engineering Technicians: Job Description and Career Prospects
Electrical engineering technicians work in diverse industries and are responsible for installing, testing, maintaining, repairing, analyzing and troubleshooting all types of old and modern electric equipment, circuits and systems. They also assist engineers with research, designing and development of new electrical systems. The typical work activities include:
- Calibrating, maintaining and troubleshooting electrical instruments
- Providing technical assistance to resolve electrical problems
- Assembling electrical and electronic systems using hand tools
- Installing and operating test equipments to evaluate their performance
- Reviewing existing electrical or electronics system to identify the needs for amendments
- Conducting inspections of electrical systems for quality control
- Installing and maintaining electronics and electrical systems
- Visiting construction sites to help clients design electrical solutions
- Writing procedures for installing electrical equipments
- Assisting with product manual writing
- Participating in the development or testing of electrical devices
- Selling electrical or electronics products
- Maintaining smooth and appropriate distribution and utilization of power in a facility
- Attending to customer complaints and repairing or repairing the existing electrical systems
The exact job roles and responsibilities may vary widely depending upon the employment, industry they work in, job title and individual skills and experience.
Career Prospects
The career prospects have never been dull for electrical engineering professionals. The reason for this is continuous advancements in technology. Every year several new products hit the market. This leads to the increasing demand for professionals who can install, repair and troubleshoot them.
Besides, the dependence on electrical and electronics products is constantly increasing, be it in households, commercial settings or industrial environment. This further increases the demand for skilled and experienced professionals who can work on both traditional and modern technology products.
The electrical engineering professionals can find employment in diverse electrical and related areas, such as
- Electrical power generation
- Transmission and protection
- Electrical maintenance and installation
- Electrical control systems
- Industrial telecommunications
- Power distribution and utilization
- Electrical and electronics repair
- Electrical and electronics sales
- Electric system design
The professionals can find employment with diverse industries, including but not limited to power and energy, telecommunications, electronics, automobile, airlines, construction, installation contractors and service providers, equipment design and development and manufacturing companies.
However, in order to become employable, they need to
- Obtain a thorough grounding in electrical engineering sciences
- Possess well-rounded knowledge in electrical systems, devices, motors and circuits
- Acquire understanding of testing and troubleshooting electrical power systems
- Gain experience in producing electrical drawings, and diagnostic and analysis of electrical systems
- Possess hands-on-experience in installation, maintenance, testing, repairing and troubleshooting electrical devices, machines, systems and equipments
A program in electrical engineering technician can help gain knowledge and skills necessary to seek entry-level jobs in this field.
Electrical Engineering Courses in Canada
Centennial College's post secondary electrical engineering technician program are designed to help students provide a solid foundation in electrical and electronic theory and practices. These programs incorporate classroom learning, hands-on-lab and a field placement. In order to apply for these programs, you will need:
* Secondary school diploma or equivalent * English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent * Mathematics Grade 11 M or 12 C or University or equivalent
