Electrical engineering technician
Design, build and maintain the systems and equipment vital to industry, the railways and manufacturing.
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About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£462
Entry level
£923
Experienced
Monthly
£2,000
Entry level
£4,000
Experienced
Yearly
£24,000
Entry level
£48,000
Experienced
10,400
people are currently employed
Low growth
100 fewer jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would set up, maintain and fix electrical equipment and controls like systems for streetlights and railways.
You’d install and test components like motors, panels, generators and transformers, to make sure they’re working.
You could work in a range of industries.
In the power generation and transmission industry you’d install turbines, switchgear, power lines and street lighting networks.
If you work on industrial machinery and equipment you’d make, fit and repair drives motors and programmable logic control (PLC) panels.
In the transport industry you could upgrade rail electrification and signalling systems
For building services you’d install and maintain lighting, heating and air conditioning systems. You keep lifts and escalators working safely.
You would follow engineering instructions and use wiring and circuit diagrams to help you set up and fix systems.
You would calibrate equipment and machinery using a variety of tools. You’d test the equipment and machinery to make sure they continue to work correctly and safely.
Electricity can be dangerous; you’d need to understand and follow electrical health and safety regulations. You’d keep yourself up-to-date with new developments.
As an experienced technician you may be responsible for creating preventative maintenance rotas and carrying out quality control checks, for example on production line machinery.
You would normally work as part of a team, often supervising fitters and operators. You will need colour-normal vision for this type of work.
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Hours
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Environment
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Travel
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- analysing
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- written communication
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- cooperating
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Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Physics
Practical Craft Skills
Practical Electronics
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
Skills for Work: Building Services Engineering
Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You would need a Modern Apprenticeship leading to a relevant Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Electrical Installation (SVQ Level 3). Or a Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF Level 8) in Electrical Engineering.
Some employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF Level 4/5, in particular for entry to a Modern Apprenticeship.
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF Level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
Qualifications that demonstrate understanding and experience of the industry such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCQF Level 5).
Normal colour vision and to pass a colour vision assessment, to work with electrical wiring.
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