Consumer electronics repair technician

Consumer electronics repair technicians use electrical equipment to diagnose malfunctions and test functionality of consumer electronics such as TVs, video and audio systems and digital cameras. They read manufacturers’ instructions and conduct the necessary repairs or replacements.

The duties of a consumer electronics repair technician include, but are not limited to:

• Installing, repairing, and maintaining electronic equipment such as computers, radios, televisions, and communications systems
• Performing troubleshooting activities to identify problems with equipment and systems
• Maintaining inventory records of components and supplies for use in future repairs
• Installing and maintaining electrical wiring and equipment such as light fixtures and ceiling fans
• Troubleshooting electrical problems in equipment such as computers and telecommunication systems
• Planning and executing test procedures to ensure that products meet design specifications
• Testing new technology to evaluate efficiency and effectiveness of systems
• Installing computer hardware such as motherboards and hard drives in desktop computers or servers
• Repairing electrical equipment such as wiring or circuit boards in equipment such as mobile phones or computers

The following job titles also refer to consumer electronics repair technician:

repairer
consumer electronics technician
electronics repairer
repairman
trouble-shooter
consumer electronics repairman
consumer
technician

Consumer electronics repair technicians work in a variety of settings, including factories, office buildings, and repair shops. They may be exposed to noise, dust, and chemicals, and they may work in cramped positions.

Many technicians work full time, and overtime is often necessary to meet deadlines. Some technicians may travel to customer sites to install or repair electronic equipment.

Most employers require consumer electronics repair technicians to have at least an associate’s degree in electronics technology or a related field. These programs typically take two years to complete and include courses in mathematics, physics, engineering, computer-aided design and other technical subjects.

Most electronics technicians receive on-the-job training from their supervisors or other experienced technicians. This training helps the technician learn the specific procedures and methods used by the company.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Consumer electronics repair technician is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to consumer electronics repair technician.

computer hardware repair technician
office equipment repair technician
household appliances repair technician
mobile phone repair technician
bicycle mechanic

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of consumer electronics repair technician. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of consumer electronics repair technician with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

body artist
air pollution analyst
wedding planner
life coach
performance rental technician

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of consumer electronics repair technician.

• Consumer electronics: The functioning of electronic consumer goods such as TVs, radios, cameras and other audio and video equipment.
• Electronics: The functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications. Apply this knowledge to ensure electronic equipment runs smoothly.

These skills are necessary for the role of consumer electronics repair technician.

• Create solutions to problems: Solve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising information to evaluate current practice and generate new understandings about practice.
• Apply company policies: Apply the principles and rules that govern the activities and processes of an organisation.
• Set up consumer electronics: Connect electronic devices, such as TVs, audio and video equipment and cameras, to the electricity network and perform electrical bonding to avoid dangerous potential differences. Test the installation for proper functioning.
• Troubleshoot: Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
• Maintain equipment: Regularly inspect and perform all required activities to maintain the equipment in functional order prior or after its use.
• Use repair manuals: Apply the information, such as periodic maintenance charts, step by step repair instructions, troubleshooting information and overhaul procedures to perform routine maintenance and repairs.
• Maintain customer service: Keep the highest possible customer service and make sure that the customer service is at all times performed in a professional way. Help customers or participants feel at ease and support special requirements.
• Replace defect components: Remove defective parts and replace them with functioning components.
• Provide customer information related to repairs: Inform customers about necessary repairs or replacements, discuss products, services and costs, include accurate technical information.
• Repair equipment on site: Identify malfunctions and repair or replace multi-media, audio-visual and computer systems, hardware and equipment on site.
• Provide customer follow-up services: Register, follow-up, solve and respond to customer requests, complaints and after-sales services.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of consumer electronics repair technician. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Sell consumer electronics: Sell electronic consumer goods such as TVs, radios, cameras and other audio and video equipment. Provide advice on purchase decisions and try to meet customers wishes. Process payments.
• Manage schedule of tasks: Maintain an overview of all the incoming tasks in order to prioritise the tasks, plan their execution, and integrate new tasks as they present themselves.
• Order supplies: Command products from relevant suppliers to get convenient and profitable products to purchase.
• Drive vehicles: Be able to drive vehicles; have the appropriate type of driving license according to the type of motor vehicle used.
• Manage a small-to-medium business: Manage the organisational, financial and day-to-day operation of a small-to-medium enterprise.
• Maintain relationship with suppliers: Build a lasting and meaningful relationship with suppliers and service providers in order to establish a positive, profitable and enduring collaboration, co-operation and contract negotiation.
• Assist customers: Provide support and advice to customers in making purchasing decisions by finding out their needs, selecting suitable service and products for them and politely answering questions about products and services.
• Make independent operating decisions: Make immediate operating decisions as necessary without reference to others, taking into account the circumstances and any relevant procedures and legislation. Determine alone which option is the best for a particular situation.
• Ensure compliance with warranty contracts: Implement and monitor repairs and/or replacements by the supplier in compliance with warranty contracts.
• Maintain professional administration: File and organise professional administration documents comprehensively, keep customer records, fill in forms or log books and prepare documents about company-related matter.
• Administer appointments: Accept, schedule and cancel appointments.
• Lift heavy weights: Lift heavy weights and apply ergonomic lifting techniques to avoid damaging the body.
• Develop professional network: Reach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up to date on their activities.
• Apply technical communication skills: Explain technical details to non-technical customers, stakeholders, or any other interested parties in a clear and concise manner.
• Negotiate supplier arrangements: Reach an agreement with the supplier upon technical, quantity, quality, price, conditions, storage, packaging, send-back and other requirements related to the purchasing and delivering process.
• Communicate by telephone: Liaise via telephone by making and answering calls in a timely, professional and polite manner.
• Issue sales invoices: Prepare the invoice of goods sold or services provided, containing individual prices, the total charge, and the terms. Complete order processing for orders received via telephone, fax and internet and calculate the customer’s final bill.
• Train employees: Lead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the performance of individuals and groups in organisational settings.
• Perform services in a flexible manner: Adapt service approach when circumstances change.
• Keep stock records: Keep written records of the amount of stock in storage, incoming and outgoing products required for the proper operation of services, repairs and maintenance tasks.
• Report to the team leader: Keep the team leader informed on current and emerging issues.

7421 – Electronics mechanics and servicers

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References

1. Consumer electronics repair technician – ESCO
2. Electronics Technician Job Description: Salary, Duties, & More – Climb the Ladder
3. Electronic Technician – SHRM
4. Featured image: Photo by RF._.studio from Pexels