How to Become a Technician

In most cases, technicians with more know-how earn higher salaries. For instance, if you work in a manufacturing or factory environment, you're likely to have a higher salary than general technicians. Maintenance technicians handle factories' complex tasks and require basic mechanical engineering knowledge.

Work experience and academic qualifications also determine your compensation package. For instance, if you have a degree and years of working experience, you are able to secure a more senior position where you earn $60,000 and above a year.

You are also able to increase your earnings by working for bigger companies, which offer better wages and numerous benefits. Apart from the basic salary, many big companies provide professional technicians with pensions and health insurance. You also have the opportunity to earn overtime pay and hourly wages for taking up extra or emergency work.

Technicians perform a wide range of duties depending on their area of specialization and the company they work for. Some of the typical responsibilities and roles you'll handle as a technician include:

• Updating databases and all systems with great attention to detail
• Assisting with the installation, moving, and repositioning of equipment and machines 
• Reporting causes of machine breakdown and equipment concerns and faults to management
• Inspecting systems and machines to identify any operational issues and making the necessary repairs
• Assisting in facility and warehousing-related tasks when needed
• Performing and monitoring tests in the field or lab
• Documenting all recommendations and work performed on all repair orders
• Developing and implementing relevant preventative maintenance procedures
• Maintaining inventory records for supplies and equipment
• Ensuring all tasks are undertaken to high-quality standards and adhere to the quality standard regulations

Just like any other profession, technicians need appropriate equipment, technology, and tools to succeed in their day-to-day work. Some of the most common equipment and tools you'll need as a professional technician include:

• Safety equipment
• Computers
• Electronic testing equipment
• Wrenches
• Pliers
• Screwdrivers
• Bubble levels
• Mobile devices

Your work as a technician is mainly in a manufacturing unit or factory plant unless you're an IT support technician working in a server room. The work of professional technicians is usually hands-on, and you'll be around different machines and factory equipment to determine causes of failure, troubleshoot problems, or replace faulty components. Due to the risky nature of factory and manufacturing environments, you'll need to put on protective equipment when diagnosing problems and completing repairs. Some employers provide flexible working schedules. Remote working is also common for some technicians, such as IT technicians. Although your working environment as a technician is mainly in a manufacturing plant or factory, you might also travel from time to time to clients' locations. If your company's manufacturing facility is in a different location, you'll have to commute between the facility and the office.

Depending on the industry you work in and your employer, your colleagues may include electrical engineers, mechanical technicians, IT support technicians, construction engineers, and maintenance technicians. You may also work in proximity to site supervisors and project managers, as well as other experts that might include forklift operators, couriers, and fitters, among others.

A technician works an average of 40 hours weekly in the mechanical industry. General technicians normally work fewer or more hours depending on their job specifications. Unlike other 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. office-based positions, you'll work in shifts. Since the manufacturing processes in factories run 24/7, many companies require technicians on standby to troubleshoot any arising problems in case of machine malfunctions. That means working on weekends and holidays when emergencies occur. If you get a part-time job as a technician, you will work as a consultant and may be called during emergencies to solve problems in your area of expertise.

As a professional technician, you have many career options to advance your profession. You have the option to branch into any field of specialization, and with more qualifications, you have the ability to become a professional engineer. Many technicians usually become maintenance engineers. However, you'll also find numerous job opportunities in construction, mechanical, and electrical engineering. Freelance work and self-employment are also possible, especially if you have relevant skills.

Thousands of job applicants get incredible contracts with great employers every year thanks to Spherion's connections with many industry leaders. Whether you are looking for a permanent or temporary position, Spherion has something for everyone. Finding your dream job through Spherion provides important benefits such as: 

• Training and career development opportunities
• A wide range of job opportunities in your local area
• Weekly payment schedules
• Permanent and temporary contacts
• Experienced contact persons to assist if needed

However, pursuing a degree course will help increase your chances of securing a well-paying job. A bachelor's or an associate degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or any other relevant field will help you attain the relevant skills to advance your career. The good news is that you are able to get a job as a technician even if you have no working experience. Nevertheless, you should demonstrate the ability to follow safety procedures and work well with others.

To appeal more to potential employers, you will want to earn relevant certifications based on your area of specialization. Having these accreditations will also increase your chances of potential hire or promotion. Some of the common certifications you have the opportunity to pursue as a technician include: Certified Technical Professional (CTP), Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma), and Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA). As a technician, you also need technical and soft skills to succeed in your work. These skills include:

• Knowledge of general maintenance techniques and procedures
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to plan and prioritize tasks
• Attention to detail
• Customer service skills
• Effective problem-solving abilities
• Good organizational skills
• Ability to multitask and work in a dynamic environment
• Structured analytical skills
• Mechanical aptitude

Your duties as a technician will vary depending on the type of your field of specialization and your employer. However, most technicians perform common tasks such as:

• Installing new equipment and testing them to ensure they're working correctly
• Diagnosing problems and coming up with solutions to troubleshoot and repair them
• Educating clients on how to utilize and maintain their devices
• Explaining issues with equipment and repairs to customers
• Performing maintenance and providing customer support
• Ordering parts needed for repairs when necessary
• Keeping records and filling out detailed reports on undertaken services
• Building and maintaining healthy relationships with customers

Good technicians have a wide range of skills that encompass various trades. These multi-talented professionals quickly learn how to identify problems, troubleshoot different equipment, and respond to emergency maintenance needs. As a technician, you should be good at time management to help you coordinate multifaceted maintenance tasks as efficiently as possible. You also need impeccable communication skills to help you communicate with clients and educate them on how to maintain their equipment and devices. A good technician should also possess sound problem-solving skills and good analytical capabilities.

There are various types of technicians. Rather than working as a general service technician, you can easily specialize in a specific field. Some of the common types of technicians include:

• IT technicians
• Building maintenance technicians
• Public works technicians
• Industrial maintenance technicians
• Laboratory technicians
• Pharmacy technicians
• Automotive technicians
• Service technicians

Applying for a job as a technician is easy with Spherion. You can search for technician jobs on Spherion.com by job title and location. If you don’t see the perfect role, you can submit an open application. Once you submit your contact information and resume through Spherion's open application, a recruiter from the office closest to you will reach out with details about potential technician roles that fit your skill set and professional goals.