Ashburton College
Electrical Engineering Technician Kaihangarau Take Pūhiko
Electrical engineering technicians interpret the designs and technical instructions of electrical engineers, then ensure they are accurately carried out. They also develop, install, test and maintain equipment that produces, transmits or uses power.
Most electrical engineering technicians working with currents over 50 volts must register with the Electrical Workers Registration Board.
Electrical engineering technicians can apply to Engineering New Zealand to become chartered members.
- Electrical Workers Registration Board website - information on registration
- Engineering New Zealand website - information on becoming a chartered member
Electrical engineering technicians may do some or all of the following:
- understand and follow electrical plans and instructions
- install, repair, test, and maintain test models of electrical systems
- record data on testing techniques, equipment, and other work
- report findings and results to colleagues and clients
- research new ways to solve electrical problems
- outline the materials needed for new work projects
- calculate the cost of new equipment needed for new work projects
- judge the condition of electrical equipment, to ensure safety and design standards are met
- help design electrical installations and control circuits, under the supervision of an engineer.
Physical Requirements
Electrical engineering technicians need to have normal colour vision, as electrical components are often colour-coded.
They also need to be reasonably fit as they may have to walk long distances to work sites, and carry equipment.
Useful Experience
Useful experience for electrical engineering technicians includes:
- engineering work
- draughting work
- electrical or mechanical work
- using tools
- applying health and safety guidelines.
Personal Qualities
Electrical engineering technicians need to be:
- accurate and methodical
- safety-conscious
- good at maths
- reliable
- able to follow instructions
- able to work well under pressure
- good at solving problems
- good at making decisions.
Skills
Electrical engineering technicians need to have:
- knowledge of electrical theory and practice
- an understanding of health and safety, and industry standard guidelines
- knowledge of how to use and care for their equipment
- good practical and technical skills to operate and maintain equipment
- drawing skills and the ability to interpret design drawings.
Conditions
Electrical engineering technicians:
- usually work regular business hours, but may have to be on call or work irregular hours
- work in laboratories, workshops, power stations and substations.
Subject Recommendations
To enter tertiary training you need 48 NCEA Level 2 credits in maths, science (such as physics) and technology subjects. At least 12 of these credits must be in maths.
Electrical Engineering Technicians can earn around $23-$27 per hour.
Chances of getting a job as a Electrical Engineering Technician are good due to a shortage of people interested in this type of work.
Pay for electrical engineering technicians varies depending on experience.
- Graduate electrical engineering technicians usually earn $23 to $27 an hour.
- Mid-level electrical engineering technicians with three to five years' experience usually earn $28 to $32 an hour.
- Senior electrical engineering technicians with more than five years' experience usually earn $34 to $43 an hour.
Sources: Allied Work Force, 2019; Technical Recruitment Solutions, 2019; and careers.govt.nz research, 2019.
Electrical engineering technicians may progress to supervisory roles overseeing a team of technicians.
They may also complete a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) or equivalent qualifications, and move into an electrical engineering role.
Years Of Training
2-3 years of training required.To become an electrical engineering technician you need to complete a New Zealand Diploma in Engineering – Electrical (Level 6).
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