An Instrumentation and Electrical Technician, or I&E Technician, is someone who installs, troubleshoots, services and performs preventative maintenance on equipment ranging from plant lighting to motors to transformers, according to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. They're also known to install, service, test and calibrate high-voltage electrical systems and various other electronic equipment.
Work Conditions
According to Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development, most I&E Technicians work in manufacturing environments such as paper mills, food processing plants, breweries and machine shops. Because the job is laborious, technicians must be able to stand for long periods of time and work in tight quarters or on ladders for extended time periods. Often, such workers are subject to both hot and cold conditions, based on the application they're working on. To prevent injuries, they'll often wear hard hats, protective glasses and safety belts.
Training
Becoming an I&E Technician is a lengthy process. It can up to six years of combined on-the-job training and classroom instruction. It takes 9,392 hours of on-the-job training and an additional 1,008 hours of related instruction to become certified. Classroom subjects range from electronics and electrical systems to safety. Such skills are typically acquired through an apprenticeship. According to Simply Hired, as of June 2011 the average I&E Technician earns about $54,000 per year in base salary.
Skills
I&E Technicians are similar to engineers. They must diagnose and solve problems with electrical systems. To do this, they must mathematics and have a solid grasp on mechanical functioning. Other qualities a good I&E Technician possesses are critical thinking skills, time management skills, computer knowledge and public safety and security knowledge.
Requirements
While I&E Technicians aren't required to earn a four-year degrees or Master's Degrees, they must meet other qualifications.To enter most apprenticeship programs, you must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Requirements vary by employer. For example, CORESTAFF stated in its job posting of I&E technicans that applicants should possess at least an Associate's Degree in electrical or computer engineering.
Tags: electrical systems, Department Workforce, Department Workforce Development, on-the-job training, they must
