ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY

When you are watching Much Music, you are probably not thinking about the electronic equipment that is involved. Your television, the station's video equipment, the computer that generates special effects and the television station itself all have electronic circuitry that may have been designed and developed by an electronics technologist or technician.

In the electronics technology field you could specialize in automation and robotics, computer control, process automation and instrumentation, telecommunications, microelectronics or information and computer technology.

Here are some of the activities that electronics technologists perform. Electronics technicians assist with these activities:

• Perform the technical functions involved in designing, assembling, installing, repairing, maintaining, calibrating, prototyping and modifying electronic circuitry, components and systems
• Build prototypes (models) for engineers and researchers using rough sketches or plans
• Write software programs for microprocessors and computers
• Write specifications and detailed technical reports, prepare plans, control schedules, estimates and budgets
• Design, develop, and test power equipment and systems, industrial process control systems, telecommunication, broadcast recording and audiovisual systems, microelectronic systems and circuits

Where Will You Work?

As an electronics technologist or technician, you might find yourself working in factories, retail or wholesale shops, telephone companies, television stations, aerospace and telecommunications companies, research and testing laboratories, microelectronic centres or hospitals. You might work on construction sites, industrial sites or at radio or television stations.

You will likely work in temperature-controlled offices, laboratories or production departments. Some travelling may be required when installing or servicing equipment. You may be required to lift equipment weighing up to 25 kg.

Related occupations include electronics manufacturing technician, computer technician, x-ray technician, instrument technician, electronics drafter, electronic equipment service technician and avionics technician.

How Much Will You Earn?

	Technologist:	$74,000/yr
	Technician:	$70,000/yr
	GradTech:	$45,000/yr

How Does the Future Look?

The employment outlook in this occupation is expected to be above average compared with other occupations. Electronic equipment is becoming more complex and is being used everywhere in industry, business and in the home. New fields are opening up in automated electronic control, fibre optics and biomedical applications.

How Can You Get Started?

In high school, be sure to take courses in English, mathematics, physics, and other sciences.

What Will You Need?

To pursue this career you should enjoy working with tools, equipment, instruments and machinery at tasks requiring precision. You should enjoy analyzing problems, finding innovative solutions, taking a methodical approach and supervising others.

You will need good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity. This is detailed work, so you will need to develop good organizational skills, as well as patience and persistence. Good command of the English language is essential, as are general communication skills. You will work with a variety of people, often under the pressure of deadlines.

Post Secondary Possibilities

	College	Program	Accredited Status	Discipline
	BCIT	Electronics - Computer Control	Technologist	Electrical/Electronics
	BCIT	Electronics - Power	Technologist	Electrical/Electronics
	BCIT	Electronics - Process Automation & Instrumentation	Technologist	Electrical/Electronics
	BCIT	Electronics - Telecommunications	Technologist	Electrical/Electronics
	BCIT	Robotics & Automation	Technologist	Electronics
	Camosun College	Computer Engineering	Technologist (CTAB)	Electronics
	Camosun College	Electronics Engineering	Technologist (CTAB)	Electronics
	Camosun College	Electronics Technician	Recognized	Electronics
	College of New Caledonia	Electronics	Recognized	Electronics
	Kwantlen University College	Automation/Robotics	Technologist	Electronics
	Kwantlen University College	Electronics	Technologist	Electronics
	Okanagan University College	Electronics	Technologist	Electronics
	Selkirk College	Building Systems	Recognized	Electronics
	The University College of the Cariboo	Computer Systems Technician (CTEC)	Recognized	Electronics

• Programs listed are those accredited by the Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC); check www.asttbc.org for updates on accredited programs.
• Check with your career facilitator or counsellor for other sources of information applicable to education options for this technology.
• Salary figures indicated in the 'How Much Will You Earn?' section are extracted from ASTTBC's Member Compensation Survey or other Canadian sources applicable to the specific technology discipline. These figures are representative only; actual figures will vary depending on academic training, practical experience, job responsibilities and location of employment.
• The TechWORKS! web site is an important online resource and provides links to career information that will be of interest to students pursuing a career in technology.