Electrical engineering technician

Electrical engineering technicians support electronics engineers in the research, design, development, maintenance or repair of electronic products, such as televisions, mobile phones and computers. Electrical engineering technicians work in the generation and supply of electricity, as well as on related equipment, including generators and turbines.

Work activities

Electrical engineering technicians support the work of electronics engineers in a wide range of areas, including research and development, design and technical drawing (draughtswork), maintenance, and quality assurance (testing products to make sure they are safe and of high quality).

In manufacturing, electrical engineering technicians work on a range of products, from telephones, radios and televisions to aircraft and satellites. They help to research new products or work on ways to improve existing ones. For example, they may test the electronic performance and reliability of televisions before they go into full production. They may also test printed circuit boards (PCBs) to make sure they respond correctly to the user’s instructions, checking that all connections and joints are made properly and that there are no short circuits. They also maintain and repair the assembly lines that carry equipment through the production cycle. If there is a fault, some electrical engineering technicians can plug laptop computers into Programme Logic Controller (PLC) systems, which control production equipment and machinery. The laptop displays what the fault is, so they can carry out a repair or re-program the faulty equipment.

Electrical engineering technicians also help to develop and maintain the equipment used to control and manage processes, systems and machinery in many different areas. All large processing plants, oil installations, energy generating and manufacturing industries have sophisticated systems, for example, to control temperature and pressure, or to manage waste.

Electrical engineering technicians help to design and produce equipment such as electrical generators and turbines. They make sure that all the equipment is safe and runs efficiently. They carry out repairs to any faulty equipment, perhaps supervised by an electrical engineer. In distribution companies, electrical engineering technicians work on transformers and transmission systems. They also install electrical industrial machinery, including heating, ventilating and lighting systems. Electrical engineering technicians may supervise teams made up of craftspeople and other technicians.

Personal qualities and skills

As an electrical engineering technician, you need:

• Strong technical and computer skills.
• Practical skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• A willingness to keep up to date with advances in technology.
• A logical, accurate and methodical approach to your work.
• The ability to stay calm under pressure.
• An understanding of electrical health and safety regulations.
• Strong communication skills.
• To work well with other technicians and engineers.
• The ability to read and interpret technical drawings and plans, and to explain them to others.

Your colour vision may be tested, as you will be working with colour-coded parts and wires.

Pay and opportunities

Salaries for electrical engineering technicians vary depending on the company, role and level of responsibility. The pay rates given are approximate. Electrical engineering technicians earn in the range of £24,000 - £43,000 a year, depending on how much experience you have.

Most electrical engineering technicians work around 40-42 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Early starts, late finishes, and some weekend work may be required. Some technicians may be required to work shifts. 

Employers are firms in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, electricity generation and distribution, communications, transportation, chemical, water, and marine and offshore industries. There are also opportunities within the public sector, the armed forces and computer manufacturers. Opportunities for electrical engineering technicians occur throughout the UK.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local/national newspapers, trade industry publications, and on the Government’s Find a Job service. Vacancies can also be found through specialist engineering recruitment agencies, internet job boards and the websites of professional engineering bodies and large manufacturing/electrical organisations.

Entry routes and training 

An advanced (level 3) apprenticeship in the role of installation and maintenance electrician is a great place to start. On this route, you will mostly train on the job, with time set aside to study towards relevant qualifications. You may also be able to enter employment as a trainee, receiving day- or block-release to go to college part-time. Another entry route is to take a fulltime college course, leading to a relevant A-level or Edexcel (BTEC) National qualification (e.g. engineering) before looking for employment.

You may be able to work towards a relevant work-based qualification. Professional registration – known as EngTech – is available for those who have joined a professional engineering institution licensed by the Engineering Council. You also need to complete a relevant Advanced Apprenticeship; or hold a qualification such as the Edexcel (BTEC) Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Engineering or Construction and the Built Environment, alongside relevant experience. You can apply if you don’t have a qualification, but you need to have substantial work experience. Full details on how to register as an EngTech are available - full details are available on the website.

With further education and training, engineering technicians can go on to register at Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and Chartered Engineer (CEng) level.

Qualifications

If you wish to enter this career through an apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Most colleges will consider applications from candidates who don’t have the usual entry requirements. You should check the admissions policy of individual colleges. Several colleges offer an HNC or HND in Electrical and Electronic Engineering by part time/flexible evening study. There are also foundation degree pathways.

Information on pathways to registration as an Engineering Technician (EngTech) can be found on the Engineering Council’s website.

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