Nature of the Work
Computer repair jobs involve fixing and maintaining computers which are found in nearly all businesses and homes. Some have to travel to customers’ homes or workplaces to do repair work. Such workers are called field technicians, and are usually assigned places where they perform maintenance regularly. Other repairers are called bench technicians, and they work in repair shops usually located in factories, stores and service centers. In small firms, computer repairers may do repairs at the repairs shops or may have to be at customers’ workplaces.
Computer repairers are also known as data processing equipment repairers or computer service technicians. Their work involves servicing mainframes, servers, personal computers, printers and other computer accessories equipment. They usually do hands-on repair work, maintain and install computers and their accessories. Those workers who offer technical assistance through the telephone or in person to computer users are referred to as computer support technicians or computer support specialists.
Most computer subsystems are usually replaced instead of being repaired. Replacement is a common practice because subsystems are not expensive and businesses are not ready to close down their operations for the sake of repairs, which are very time-consuming. Some of the subsystems that are commonly replaced include network cards, video cards, and hard drives. Some defective modules may be handed over to bench technicians who will use software programs to identify the problems and repair it if it is possible.
Computer repair jobs require technicians to use various tools for diagnosis and repair. Some of the tools used to diagnose malfunctions include multi-meters that measure resistance, current, voltage and other property characteristics. Test signals are provided by signal generators, while oscilloscopes keep track of equipment signals. In order to perform diagnostic tests on computer equipment, computer technicians engage software programs. Hand tools such as screw drivers, wrenches, pliers and soldering irons are used to adjust or repair equipment.
Computer repair jobs usually are carried out in well lit and clean surroundings. Since computers are very sensitive to humidity and extreme temperatures, repair workshops are usually well ventilated and air conditioned. Field repairers travel regularly to different locations to maintain, install or repair customers’ computer equipment.
Although computer repair jobs do not involve a lot of physical straining, repairers may have to lift equipment and do their maintenance work in different postures. The workers also have to wear protective goggles.
Education, Training and Qualification
Employers prefer job seekers who have formal training in electronics. There are a number of certifications that are available for computer repair persons. Computer technician jobs require persons to have trained in electronics from vocational schools, the military, and equipment manufacturers or have an associate degree program. Although employers usually offer additional training to new employees, the employees are required to have a basic understanding of repairing computer equipment and accessories. Many employers send their experienced workers to training seminars and sessions to keep abreast with the changing technologies and procedures of servicing.
There are different organizations that certify computer technicians. The certifications show one is competent up to a certain level and may make a job seeker be more demanded by employers. Since field customers interact with customers closely, they should have good skills in communication and they should maintain a neat appearance. Some employers require field technicians to posses a driver’s license.
Certification improves the chances of one advancing his careers, and it is available for different workers with different skills and experience levels. In order to be certified, workers have to pass a test that corresponds to their level of skill.
Employment
Some of the establishments that employ computer repair technicians include wholesalers and suppliers of commercial equipment, office supply stores, computer and software stores, computer systems design companies, electronic systems repair shops, and others where self employed.
Job Outlook
Employment will grow at a slower pace than other occupations. Those who have formal training, experience and knowledge in electronics will have better chances of securing employment.
The slow pace of growth for computer technician jobs will be made possible by the increasing dependence of firms and individuals on computer systems in their daily operations. New jobs for repairs will come because the computer systems will need to be maintained and repaired from time to time.
Inasmuch as computer systems become cheaper and more reliable, malfunctions still happen and this may cause grave problems to the computer user, a large number of who are not knowledgeable in computer repairs. Computers are key components in most business firms today, and they will be even more vital as more companies engage in e-commerce, and as more people engage in shopping, banking and paying bills online.
Job Prospects
Apart from the new growth in jobs, more openings will become available as some workers opt to change careers or retire. People seeking computer repair jobs will have an advantage if they have experience, formal training and are knowledgeable in electronics.
Earnings
The average median earnings for computer technicians currently stand at about $ 19.50 per hour. Half of the computer repairers earn between $13.60 and $22.50. 10% of the lowest paid repairers earn $ 10.65 while 10% of the highly paid get $ 27.40. These rates are given out per hour.
Conclusion
With the slow growth of computer repair jobs expected in the coming years, job seekers should seek to have knowledge in electronics, and have experience and formal training in order to stand better chances of employment in the slow growing jobs. Computer technician jobs are related to electronic home entertainment repairer jobs, radio operators, and other general electronic maintenance work. Job seekers or those who wish to change their careers may have openings in these other occupations.
