What do you do as an IT systems electronics technician?
You come into play when a department’s internet is down or the telephone system in the office suddenly breaks down. Even if security cameras are to be installed on the company premises, you are in demand as an IT systems electronics technician. As a trained specialist, you will equip departments, buildings or entire companies with telephone systems or computer networks and the appropriate electronics. This is an enormously important task, because without IT, nothing works in modern mechanical and plant engineering.
Your projects always start with an inventory: What kind of system should be set up? As soon as you have clarified this question, you get to work. You order the necessary components for the new system. As soon as the components arrive, you prepare them for use. You not only take care of the software, but also the hardware. This means that you install operating systems on computers or application software for printers, telephone systems or monitoring and fire protection systems. On the other hand, you also install components or lay cables and lines. You also set up Wi-Fi networks or hotspots and ensure that the power supply is guaranteed. As soon as everything is up and running, you instruct your clients on how to use the system and explain to them what they need to pay attention to. However, with systems as complex as the ones you set up, questions or problems can always arise. If this is the case, you are on hand to deal with your clients‘ concerns. If it’s a technical problem, you use your measuring device to troubleshoot and fix the problem. As you can see, there is never a dull moment in IT system electronics.
Where are you needed?
After your apprenticeship in IT system electronics, you can enter various industries. As already mentioned, IT system electronics technicians are needed in many modern mechanical and plant engineering companies. IT manufacturers are another option, but IT consultancies and IT service providers are also looking for specialists with your skills profile. Regardless of which company you choose, your day-to-day work will hardly be boring. In the morning, for example, you will repair electronic components in the workshop before driving to a client and providing training. As you can see, variety is guaranteed.
What should you bring with you?
As an IT systems electronics technician, you will be working in a diverse profession, so you should also have a wide range of interests. For example, manual work and computer work. After all, your day-to-day work will involve both. This requires not only manual dexterity, but also abstract thinking. Another plus point for you is if you are able to explain complicated issues to your clients in an understandable way. This talent is at least as important for your dual apprenticeship as the intermediate school leaving certificate that most training companies want you to have.
Your apprenticeship at a glance
- Duration 3 years
- Theory at vocational school, practice at the training company
- Diverse training content from manufacturing, installation of devices and systems, fault diagnosis and customer advice to business processes and company organization
- After passing your final exam, you will be ready to start your career in IT system electronics. However, you still have the opportunity to continue your training. With a few years of professional experience under your belt, you can, for example, aim to become a master craftsman in IT system electronics. Or you can enrol on a degree course in electrical engineering, opening up new options for you.