Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians (NOC 2241)
Description
Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians may work independently or provide technical support and services in the design, development, testing, production and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems. They are employed by electrical utilities, communications companies, manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment, consulting firms, and in governments and a wide range of manufacturing, processing and transportation industries.
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Example Titles
- communications technologist
- electrical engineering technician
- electrical engineering technologist
- electricity distribution network technologist
- electronics design technologist
- electronics engineering technician
- electronics engineering technologist
- electronics manufacturing technician
- electronics manufacturing technologist
- lighting technologist
- metering technologist
- microwave maintenance technician
- production support technician - electronics manufacturing
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Classified Elsewhere
- Aircraft Instrument, Electrical and Avionics Mechanics, Technicians and Inspectors (2244)
- Electronic Service Technicians (Household and Business Equipment) (2242)
- Industrial Instrument Technicians and Mechanics (2243)
- Technical Sales Specialists - Wholesale Trade (6221)
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Duties
Electrical and electronics engineering technologists perform some or all of the following duties:
- Design, develop and test power equipment and systems, industrial process control systems, telecommunication, broadcast, recording and audiovisual systems, micro-electronic systems and circuits, computers, computer systems and networks, and computer software
- Supervise the building and testing of prototypes according to general instructions and established standards
- Conduct or supervise the installation, commissioning, and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems other than aircraft electronics or instruments
- Carry out applied research in fields of electrical and electronic engineering and physics under the direction of scientists or engineers
- Set up and operate specialized and standard test equipment to diagnose, test and analyze the performance of electrical and electronic components, assemblies and systems
- Write specifications, schedules, technical reports, control schedules and budgets.
Electrical and electronics engineering technicians perform some or all of the following duties:
- Assist in the design, development and testing of electrical and electronic components, equipment, and systems
- Assist in inspection, testing, adjusting and evaluation of incoming electrical, electro-mechanical and electronic components and assemblies to ensure conformance with product specifications and tolerances
- Conduct life tests (burn-ins) on assemblies and record and analyze results
- Assist in building and testing prototypes to specifications
- Carry out a limited range of technical functions in support of research in electrical and electronic engineering and physics
- Install, operate and maintain electrical and electronic equipment and systems
- Calibrate electrical or electronic equipment and instruments according to technical manuals and written instructions
- Collect and compile operational or experimental data and assist in the preparation of estimates, schedules, budgets, specifications and reports.
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Skills
Electrical and electronic engineering technologists need the following characteristics:
- an aptitude for logic, mathematics, and science,
- skill at reading blueprints,
- computer skills,
- creativity and design skills,
- the ability to work independently or as a team member,
- a desire to be thorough and accurate,
- good oral and written communication and negotiation skills,
- good colour vision,
- analytical and technical problem-solving skills.
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Employment Requirements
- In Manitoba, completion of a two- or three-year college program in electrical or electronics engineering technology, computer engineering technology, telecommunications technology or an equivalent is usually required for electrical or electronics engineering technologists.
- Experienced technicians (with a one or two year college diploma) may advance to technologist positions.
- Some employers may require technologists to be certified by a provincial association (Certified Technicians and Technologists Association of Manitoba (CTTAM) ). A period of supervised employment is required before certification.
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Terms & Conditions
Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians commonly work in offices, as well as in production plant facilities. They may be exposed to electrical hazards. They usually work during regular office hours, although some may have to work overtime, evenings, nights and weekends during peak production periods. Almost all are salaried employees.
Starting salaries vary considerably according to the industry. The range is from $22,000 to $60,000, with unionized positions with major utilities paying the higher rate.
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Earnings
$30,000 per annum - starting
$51,200 per annum - average
$76,000 per annum - high
Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available.
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Education / Training
University College of the North offers a two-year diploma program in:
- Electrical/Electronic Technology
- Computer Engineering Technology
- Computer Systems Technology.
- There is also a one-year preparatory year Technology program.
- Red River College offers two-year diploma programs in Communication, Computer, Electrical, Electronic and Instrumentation Engineering Technology. These programs have a common first year of training. All applications will be processed for entry into Electronic Engineering Technology. Students who successfully complete the first year of studies in Electronic Engineering Technology may then transfer into one of the programs listed above.
- Red River College's Advanced Diploma in Technology Management (1 1/2 years) offers technology training for individuals in management, or management training for individuals in technology.
- Some high schools in Manitoba offer an Electrical/Electronics program.
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Career Paths
Technologists may start as engineering technicians performing routine duties under close supervision.
Junior technologists may work in various specializations: e.g., communication equipment, radar, industrial and medical measuring or control devices, navigational equipment, computers. As they become more experienced there is less mobility between these fields.
Experienced engineering technologists may advance to technical supervisory positions and management, or branch out into marketing or sales, or establish their own businesses.
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Outlook
Employment prospects for electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians are expected to be good in the period 2010 - 2014. Employment in Manitoba in 2010 is estimated at 885.
The increasing use of computer and electronic components in industry creates opportunities for this occupational group. While the volume of electronic equipment and components manufactured in Manitoba is small, many firms rely on this equipment in their manufacturing processes to monitor and control production.
Global competition and the need to improve Canadian productivity will force companies to continually adapt, invest in new technologies, and update manufacturing facilities, processes, and product designs. Security and fraud are ever-growing concerns for businesses and individuals and this will ensure ongoing demand for monitoring and alarm systems.
The convergence of computer and communications technologies has led to a restructuring in these sectors. Cable and traditional telecommunications companies now provide local, long distance telephone services, internet access, and television programming; the full range of wireless and digital communication services. This trend ensures continuing employment for electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians.
There may also be employment opportunities resulting from the growth in the healthcare needs due to developments such as specialized equipment to support remote tele-health treatment and monitoring. Electrical technologists are required to support the delivery of hydroelectric power, an area expected to expand with the construction of additional hydro electric generating sites in northern Manitoba.
A proportionally larger share of jobs are located in Winnipeg. Across industries, employment is concentrated in Utilities (35%), followed by Manufacturing (14%) and Public Administration (8%).
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Employment by Age Group
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Employment by Industry
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Employment by Region
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Employment by Gender
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Employment by Aboriginal Self-Identification
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Employment by Visible Minority
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Please Note - The source for above charts is the 2006 Census.
Professional Associations, Unions, and Regulatory Bodies...
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