This industry has experienced a considerable skill shortage recently and demand for qualified Electronics and Communications Technicians is expected to remain high into the future. Because of their skills, many Electronics and Communications Technicians move quickly into related jobs.
Once you complete the intensive training, you’ll have skills and knowledge for a long and successful career. Qualified, committed and enthusiastic Electronics and Communications Technicians are paid well and qualification will give you the essential skills and knowledge to work anywhere in the world.
You can get specific information about the industry and find out what jobs and training are available in your State/Territory at the Australian Apprenticeship job pathways website.
Typically, you’ll do a formal apprenticeship which usually last around four years and are made up of two parts: the first part is the On-the-job training where you get exposed to a range of situations in a workplace and get technical exposure and experience to supplement off-the-job training. The second part is Off-the-job training where you do technical vocational training in a classroom type environment. This might be weekly, fortnightly or in a block of up to eight weeks at a time.
Once you're qualified in the core requirements of the Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electronics/Communications you will be competent to undertake work such as:
- Work with broadcast, microwave and satellite technology
- Work on analogue, digital and data equipment and signals
- Work on integrated technology systems (electronics and communications)
- Diagnose faults and maintain cameras, DVDs and computers
- Diagnose faults and maintain business and medical equipment
- Install and terminate wiring systems – cabling/wiring, support and protection
- Install and terminate wiring systems – power and control extra low voltage
- Install electrical/electronic apparatus – electronics
- Maintain and repair apparatus and associated circuits – electronics
- Commission apparatus and associated circuits – electronics
- Test apparatus and circuits – electronics
- Diagnose and rectify faults in apparatus and circuits – electronics
As an Electronics and Communications Technician you may also be required to:
- attend to breakdowns
- coordinate materials
- supply projects
- provide technical leadership in the workplace
If you've already got some skills there is a process called Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). You can apply to the Registered Training Organisation (usually a TAFE or Skills Centre) where you are doing the off-the-job part of your training to have your knowledge and skills recognised against the units of competency that make up a portable qualification.
If you are a hobbyist or unqualified operator, you can take advantage of RPL so your skills are recognised officially in the industry.
