How to Become an
Electro-Mechanical Technician

Best Education Tracks, Key Skills, and Top Certifications

Electro-mechanical technicians play an important role in maintaining equipment. These professionals test and calibrate everything from robots to submarines. If you enjoy working with machines, this career might be a great choice for you.

This profession is a tough one, and it requires extensive technical training. There are many steps to follow before starting a career. Our comprehensive guide can tell you everything you need to know to become an electro-mechanical technician. Read below to learn more about roles and responsibilities, education tracks, and job prospects in the field.

What Is an Electro-Mechanical Technician?

Electro-mechanical technicians are skilled workers who maintain equipment. They need to have extensive knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems. Electro-mechanical equipment includes aircraft, robotic arms, submarines, and manufacturing equipment.

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The responsibilities of a technician include testing, calibrating, and maintaining different machines. Electro-mechanical technicians might also check equipment to make sure it meets design specifications. They troubleshoot problems and make sure vital pieces of machinery can keep running smoothly.

What Type of School Should You Attend
to Become an Electro-Mechanical Technician?

Since electro-mechanics is a technical field, you should attend a vocational school, community college, or university. It depends on the kind of work or specialization you want to pursue. Some employers prefer an associate degree in electronic technology, electro-mechanics, or mechanical technology.

The training usually involves a mix of practical lessons and classroom instruction. You need to learn about different mechanical and electronic systems. In some cases, you may need to learn computer systems.

Best Electro-Mechanical Technician Education Tracks

Before you can become an electro-mechanical technician, you need to be trained. You can start with vocational training or consider getting a degree. Both education tracks can lead you to your goal of becoming an electro-mechanical technician.

1

Vocational School

Vocational schools are also known as trade schools. They focus more on technical training than academic lessons. In a trade school, you will spend most of your time learning and practicing skills. Most trade schools offer electro-mechanical technician training.

Electro-mechanical technician vocational programs usually last for two years. Some programs also offer apprenticeships. This is the best way to get hands-on experience before you enter the field.

2

Community College

Community colleges also offer electro-mechanical technician training. They offer associate degrees that last two years or more. These programs are more academic than vocational programs. You choose a program that focuses on mechanical and electrical engineering. You can also major in electro-mechanics.

This education track can be helpful if you want to learn more than just electro-mechanics. Most degree programs involve general education requirements where you can study other topics.

3

Electro-Mechanical Technician Degrees

Although a bachelor’s degree is not necessary for the job, it can help you move up in the field. These degrees usually last for four years and can teach you many different topics. They are similar to associate degrees, but they are more extensive.

If you want to become an electro-mechanical technician with a bachelor’s degree, you should choose your major accordingly. You can study electro-mechanical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or embedded technology.

How to Become an Electro-Mechanical Technician A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Become an Electro-Mechanical Technician: A Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming an electro-mechanical technician is a straightforward process. You need to get your education and then get experience practicing your skills. You may also need some certifications before you can start working in the field.

Below is the step-by-step guide to becoming an electro-mechanical technician.

Get educated

If you want to pursue a career in this field, then you need to be trained in technical skills. You can learn how to become an electro-mechanical technician with a vocational school or degree program.

Find an apprenticeship

Also called internships in some cases, this program can give you hands-on experience. You can find apprenticeships with electronic manufacturers, industrial companies, hospitals, and more.

Get certified

You may need technical certification to get a job as an electro-mechanical technician. You can find certification exams at the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies or the International Society of Automation. These certifications demonstrate that you have skills in the area of electro-mechanical technology.

Seek entry-level jobs

After getting educated, you can begin to apply for entry-level positions. You can find jobs in manufacturing or other mechanical services. As an entry-level employee, you will most likely work under the supervision of engineers of senior technicians.

Further your education

If you are feeling ambitious, you can go for a bachelor’s or even master’s degree in mechanical engineering. This can help you move up in the field and work on more complicated machinery.

Key Electro-Mechanical Technician Skills

Key Electro-Mechanical Technician Skills

Electro-mechanical technicians need to have strong hands-on skills to succeed in the field. As a technician, you should have an eye for detail and good problem-solving instincts. You should focus on building, thinking, and organizing.

Below are the top skills you need to thrive as an electro-mechanical technician.

Attention to Detail

Electro-mechanical technicians must be detail-oriented because they need to note precise routines and measurements. You should notice even the smallest issues to make sure your work is complete. The slightest mistakes could cause trouble for other engineers.

Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills are also essential. As an electro-mechanical technician, you will sometimes need to take instruction from others. You should also give advice and communicate your actions to a client. Therefore, you need to be able to work with others.

Dexterity

You will need the dexterity to thrive in this field. You must be able to solder irons on electronic parts and small circuitry. You should also know how to use hand tools to create electronic components by hand.

Mechanical Skills

As an electro-mechanical technician, you need mechanical skills to apply instructions and theories. You may need to create or build new components for machinery. This skill also helps you to operate machineries like grinders, drill presses, and engine lathes.

Electro-Mechanical Technician Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median wage of an electro-mechanical technician is $59,800 per year. The BLS also projected the number of electro-mechanical technician jobs to grow by three percent by 2029. Even though this is not faster than the average occupation, it will not drop lower.

Electro-mechanical technicians can work in many different industries. This means that salary projections may vary. However, most entry-level electro-mechanical technicians find a job in motor vehicle parts manufacturing, machinery manufacturing, and electro-medical sectors. You can also work in control instruments manufacturing and measuring parts manufacturing.

37350
Min salary

$

59800
Average salary

$

95340
Top salary

$

Entry-Level Electro-Mechanical Technician Job Requirements

The requirements for entry-level jobs in this industry are minimal. In some cases, you need a post-secondary certificate from a trade school. Some employers may also require an associate degree. You do not need a bachelor’s degree to work in this field, but you can get one if you want to expand your education.

What Does an Electro-Mechanical Technician Do

What Does an Electro-Mechanical Technician Do?

Electro-mechanical technicians operate, calibrate, and maintain electromechanical equipment. They use their knowledge of electrical and mechanical technology to offer solutions to any issues.

Read below to learn more about the main roles of an electro-mechanical technician.

Tests and Operates Machines

These experts maintain many different types of machines. They analyze the machines and record the results of any tests. This can help a team of technicians and engineers make decisions in the field. Electro-mechanical technicians can work on robotic equipment, aircraft, submarines, oil machinery, and more.

Installs Electronic Parts

Electro-mechanical technicians are involved with different forms of machine upkeep. This includes installing new parts when necessary. This can help the machinery last longer and run more smoothly, even with age.

Reads Blueprints

These experts read schematics, blueprints, and diagrams to understand the machines, parts, or equipment. Electro-mechanical technicians use precision measuring instruments and verify the dimensions of parts. This makes sure that the machine will work when assembled.

Electro-Mechanical Technician Certifications

If you want to become an electro-mechanical technician, you should try getting a certification. This can prove that you are well-trained for the job. It is not compulsory but can come in handy in the job hunt. It gives you an edge over other candidates and proves that you know what is expected of you.

Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)

This certification from the International Society of Automation certifies you to work as a certified control systems technician. However, there are some requirements needed to qualify for the certification. You need to have a minimum of five years of experience in the field. This can lower to three years if you attended a post-secondary education program.

Technologist Certification Program

This program from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies is one of the best in the industry. It is extensive, but it can help you get the best electro-mechanical technician jobs. You need to complete four years of schooling and five years in the field before you can get certified.

How to Prepare for Your Electro-Mechanical Technician Job Interview

How to Prepare for Your Electro-Mechanical Technician Job Interview

An electro-mechanical technician job interview will be more technical than behavioral. However, you should be prepared for both scenarios. The interviewer may ask about you and your experiences. The questions may involve your work and how well you work with others.

Below are some common electro-mechanical technician interview questions to help you ace your job interview.

Electro-Mechanical Technician Job Interview Practice Questions

  • What skills do you have that make you a good electro-mechanical technician?
  • What type of machinery have you worked on in the past?
  • Why should you stay updated on recent technology developments and trends?
  • Describe a time where you had to solve a problem on the spot.
  • How do you continue learning new skills as a technician?

How Long Does It Take to Become an Electro-Mechanical Technician?

The time it takes to become an electro-mechanical technician can vary depending on the path you chose. If you choose to attend a vocational school, then you may spend just two years in training. An apprenticeship may add a few more years before you can find an entry-level job.

However, if you choose an associate degree from a community college, you may spend just two years. It offers hands-on training, so you may be able to learn and practice at the same time. If you want a higher degree, your path can take four or more years.

2
Associate degree

years

4
Bachelor’s degree

years

6
Master’s degree

years

Should You Become an Electro-Mechanical Technician in 2021?

Yes, if you want to pursue a technical career, you should become an electro-mechanical technician. It is a lucrative career with a steady rate of growth. Because you don’t need to get a degree, you can avoid expensive student loans. A vocational school can save you time and money. If you want to become an electro-mechanical technician, you should start now.

Electro-Mechanical Technician FAQ

Is electro-mechanical technology a good career path?

Yes, becoming an electro-mechanical technician is a good career path. It is especially helpful if you are interested in repair and installation work on different equipment.

How do you become an electro-mechanical technician?

You can become an electro-mechanical technician with a vocational diploma or associate degree. After that, you may need to consider an apprenticeship to get more experience.

What do electro-mechanical technicians do?

Electro-mechanical technicians install and repair machinery that uses mechanical and electrical technology.

Do you need a degree to become an electro-mechanical technician?

In most cases, you don’t need a degree to enter this field. A post-secondary certificate is sufficient. However, some jobs may require an associate degree for entry-level positions.

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