Published: July 31st, 2006
The Chronicle Herald
ELECTRONICS
Electronics field currently popular
Sector gets glowing reviews in Halifax area, particularly in the area of instrumentation
Rob Clelland, an electronics technician with Maritect Security, installs an alarm system at the new high school in Tantallon. He says a career in electronics means a constant learning experience for workers.(Eric Wynne / Staff)
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Electronics and Electrical Engineering Technicians and Technologists
Nature of the Work
This group of occupations includes technicians, technologists and mechanics in fields related to electrical engineering and instrumentation.
Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians provide technical support in the design, testing and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems. Electronic service technicians service and repair household and business electronic equipment. Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics repair, maintain, adjust and install industrial measuring and controlling instrumentation.
Skills
For these occupations, you should be interested in technology and discovering how things work. Good mechanical aptitude, attention to detail and patience are necessary. You must be able to work under pressure and be able to collaborate and co-operate with others as part of a team. Effective oral and written communication skills are also important.
Employment Requirements
Completion of a two- or three-year college program in electrical or electronic engineering technology, computer engineering technology, telecommunications technology, or an equivalent program is usually required for electrical or electronics engineering technologists.
Electrical or electronics engineering technicians may only be required to obtain a one- to two-year program in a related field.
Two- to three-year college programs in electronics or completion of a four-year apprenticeship program in electronic servicing and repair, or completion of high school or college courses in electronics and on-the-job training are required to become an electronic service technician.
An industrial instrument technician or mechanic would require the same number of years of experience and/or academic training in industrial instrument repair or technology.
Although certification is not a requirement, graduates of the Engineering Technology program must complete two years of work experience to be registered as Certified Engineering Technologists and Technicians.
Work Prospects
The manufacturing, communications and utilities industries are the main employers for industrial instrument technicians and mechanics, and growth in these industries is expected to be steady in the coming years.
Demand for electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians is expected to be strong because businesses are increasingly using new manufacturing technologies and there is growth in the communications sector. Electronics has been identified as a growing sector in the Halifax area, particularly in the area of instrumentation.
Electronic service technicians who provide services for household and business equipment should experience good employment prospects as technology continues to become more accessible and affordable to these clients.
Labour Market Information
Outlook: Good
Estimated employment in 2005: 4,850
Estimated change in employment between 2005 and 2010: Growing
Estimated average annual number of job openings: 152
Estimated rate of unemployment in 2004: Below Average
Estimated Average Earnings in 2005: $15 hourly
Approximately eight per cent of those who work in these occupations are self-employed and four per cent work part time.
The field is predominantly male at 93.6%.
Where the Jobs Are
Annapolis Valley 15.1%
Cape Breton 7.5%
Halifax 59.5%
North Shore 9.9%
Southern 8.1%
Typical Jobs
Lighting Technologist
Electrical Engineering Technician
Electronic Service Technician
Office Equipment Service Technician
Aircraft Instrument Mechanic
Microwave Maintenance Technician
Aircraft Electrical Technician
Computer Service Technician
Electronics Design Technologist
Electronics Technician ÐConsumer Products
Industrial Instrument Mechanic
Related Occupations
Technical Inspectors and Regulatory Officers
Aircraft Technicians and Inspectors
Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics
Quote:
"It's all about constant learning. If you are not interested in change, stay away from this trade. There is some team work involved, but you can't be afraid to work alone," says Rob Clelland, an electrical technician with Maritect Security.
On the Job is a weekly column looking at employment options in Nova Scotia.
Information on 300 occupations for Nova Scotians can be found at the Education D
epartment's Career Options website, novascotiacareeroptions.ca.
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