ELECTRONIC HOME ENTERTAINMENT EQUIPMENT REPAIRERS California Occupational Guide Number 34 Interest Area 5-D 1998
TRENDS
Electronic home entertainment has improved both in the variety and quality of the equipment available. It used to be that a television set and a radio or two were the household norm. Now video cameras, stereo sound systems, compact disc players, wireless telephones, answering machines, and home security systems are common. Because the prices for these items have decreased in recent years while overall product quality and reliability have improved, many consumer electronic products in use seldom need servicing. Instead of repairing a damaged item, owners may find it more economical or convenient to buy another. When repairs or checkups are necessary, the equipment is usually taken to the service departments of consumer electronics and home appliance stores and electronic home equipment specialty shops. They also may be shipped to centrally located service centers by the customer or by the local repair shop.
THE JOB
ELECTRONIC HOME ENTERTAINMENT EQUIPMENT REPAIRERS, also called service technicians, install, service, and repair a wide variety of electrical and audio and video equipment. That may include television receivers; radios of all types; stereo components like recorders, speakers, amplifiers and tuners; electronic musical instruments; video laser disc and audio compact disc players; home burglar and fire alarm systems; telephones and pagers; and video game machines. Some service technicians may specialize in one kind of equipment while others repair many types.
Most customers bring small units into the repair service center to save the expense of a service call. However, field technicians usually go to the customer's home or business to repair large television and audio installations. They check and evaluate each possible cause of trouble. Defective parts, loose or broken connections, and faulty circuits are common problems. Technicians usually carry (in their truck or van) an assortment of solid-state components, modules, and other parts, and can easily complete many simple or routine jobs in the field. If the repair work is on a television set, they also adjust the controls to obtain the best possible picture and audio balance.
If the repair can't be completed in the field, the technician prepares a repair cost estimate and takes the unit back to the shop for servicing by bench technicians. They check the item thoroughly, using test equipment such as oscilloscopes, signal and color-bar generators, and voltmeters, and frequently consult wiring and schematic diagrams and service manuals. In doing their work, they use such hand tools as soldering and de-soldering irons, needle nose pliers, wire cutters, and wrenches of all types.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Service technicians work in many places, from small owner-operated repair shops to large service centers such as those found in major consumer electronics and audio-video stores and factory service centers. They usually work independently and get little direct supervision. Bench technicians in the repair service centers generally are stationed at work stations that have good lighting and modern testing equipment. Field service technicians do a great deal of driving and may need to work in cramped or inconvenient spaces. Technicians face hazards such as electrical shocks and burns in testing and repairing equipment and strains from lifting and carrying heavy equipment.
Technicians may have to furnish their own hand tools, costing from $100 to $200 and up. Employers usually provide the more expensive tools, testing equipment, and service vehicles.
Unionization among service technicians varies according to employer size and geographic location. Very few small repair service centers are unionized. Some large repair service centers, especially factory service centers, are covered by contracts with unions like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 4,320 Estimated number of workers in 2005 4,190 Projected Growth 1993-2005 -3% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 1,310
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
Changes in the nature of the service technician's job have resulted from the introduction of new products and systems. The mechanical and electrical aspects of the work have become less important and thorough knowledge of electronics theory is now essential. Technicians who keep up with the rapid changes and technological advances in products and equipment should enjoy steady work and job security, since the demand for repair services usually continues even during times of economic downturn.
CETS (Certified Electronics Technicians) have a better chance of finding employment and employers are likely to pay them more per hour. Certification can be obtained by taking a test given by the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians. In some areas, employers report a shortage of experienced technicians qualified to repair video cassette recorders, laser disc players, and video cameras. More qualified technicians are needed due to increases in the number of units sold and because of the availability of more sophisticated equipment. Trained but inexperienced applicants, however, will face keen competition for entry- level jobs.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
The median wage for Electronic Home Entertainment Equipment Repairers in California is $15.56 per hour.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Most employers require service technicians to be at least high school graduates who have a thorough knowledge of electrical and electronics theory, schematic reading and troubleshooting. A solid background in mathematics (especially algebra), physics, chemistry, and mechanical drawing are also very important requirements for this occupation. Technicians must have from two to five years of up-to-date experience in repairing electronic home entertainment equipment to be considered fully qualified.
Some employers will hire inexperienced applicants if they have completed the required courses in electronics theory and electronic equipment repair, such as those offered by technical schools and community colleges. A few technicians enter the craft through the formal four-year apprenticeship program sponsored by shops belonging to the California State Electronics Association.
Service technicians should have good, correctable vision and color perception to inspect, repair, and install small electronic parts and circuits; good hearing to diagnose problems by sound; manual dexterity; the strength to lift heavy equipment; and a valid California driver's license. Field technicians, in particular, should have a neat appearance and be tactful in their dealings with customers. Good oral and written communication skills are important. Some employers look for technicians with sales skills to interest customers in buying service contracts or other merchandise. Others require that employees be bondable.
ADVANCEMENT
Experienced Electronic Home Entertainment Equipment Repairers most often receive promotions in the form of salary increases. In larger shops, however, technicians who possess up-to-date knowledge of electronics and repair practices may advance to supervisor or service manager or to qualify for jobs as computer and office machine repairers. Certified Electronic Technicians will have a competitive edge toward promotional opportunities.
FINDING THE JOB
Electronic Home Entertainment Equipment Repairers usually find work by applying directly to employers. Also, unions, the Job Service offices of the California Employment Development Department, employment agencies, and vocational schools frequently refer applicants to firms that are hiring. The California State Electronics Association provides information about apprenticeship programs. Newspaper classified advertising is an additional source of information.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
California State Electronics Association 7200 Fair Oaks Boulevard Carmichael, CA 95608 (916) 482-2569
Electronics Technicians Association 604 North Jackson Greencastle, IN 46135 (317) 653-8262
International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians 2708 West Berry Street, Suite 3 Fort Worth, TX 76109 (817) 921-9101
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Electrical & Electronics Engineering Techs. No. 60
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed.,1991) Radio Repairer 720.281-010 Television & Radio Repairer 720.281-018 Electronic Equipment Repairer 726.381-014 Audio-Video Repairer 729.281-010 Television Installer 823.361-010
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Electronic Home Entertainment Equipment
Repairers 857080
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162
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