Smart homes are no longer a thing of the future, they’re now the norm in modern day societies. At the heart of all things electrical are the engineers who make it possible for all things smart to connect and work correctly. If you also love smart devices, electrics and all things in between and don’t want to go to university then becoming a Electronic Product Service and Installation Engineer is the job for you.
This article is going to provide you with all the right information you need to become an Electronic Product Service and Installation Engineer, but before we get into the good stuff let’s take a look at what this opportunity has that going to university just won’t do!
Firstly and most importantly – earn while you learn!
Yes you read that right, not only do you receive hands-on experience working with electrics but you could potentially be paid between £11,000 and £24,000 a year to do so. On top of that each company will provide certain benefits such as free gym access and much more!
Qualification:
Once completed you will receive a Level 3 Standard qualification which will give you the opportunity to continue working within the engineering field either with your company or another. Also you’ll have earnt for the duration of your apprenticeship while most of your peers would be at university working up a lifelong debt. Sounds like a no brainer to me?
The Role, requirements and skills you’ll develop through the apprenticeship:
As an engineer you will install and service a range of commercial and/or domestic equipment from laundrette or restaurant washing machines and microwave ovens in the kitchen, to television and audio equipment in the living room. The influence of computers in controlling washing machines and providing television, have brought the
installation and service requirements of these products together. In the near future, the ‘smart home’ will give wireless control to these products and link their requirements still closer.
To work effectively with these ‘smart’ products, it is important that the engineer is I.T. literate and has an understanding of all aspects of connectivity, with the ability to make and troubleshoot I.P. connections to Bluetooth, routers and Wi-Fi connections, in both commercial and domestic situations. The engineer must also be able to use Apps. Technology is developing at a rapid rate and the range of products requiring the engineers skills will constantly expand and require the engineer to update and maintain their knowledge and skills to meet the needs of the technology of the future. Most products will be integrated into the ‘smart home’ in the future and communicate with one another via the “Internet of Things” meaning that engineers are guaranteed a future and is an ever growing industry.
Due to the majority of the work being carried out in the homes of customers or business, the engineer has to be well mannered, presentable and have good customer facing & communication skills. No two days will be the same, with the opportunity to work with various types of people in ever changing environments. The engineer should have an inquisitive mind and be able to logically follow a sequence of mechanical events or electrical tests. Once the apprenticeship concludes, the engineer will have further training if they decide to work on gas appliances or in specific commercial premises.
Knowledge:
- Health & safety regulations and practices relevant to the role.
- The operating principles and products operating sequence.
- PAT (Portable Appliance Testing)
- Testing to EU/BS Product Standards.( oven internal temperature & surface temperature tests)
- Customer care techniques including any particular company policies.
- Environmental legislation ie WEEE (Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment) Directive.
- Electrical services, utility services, signal requirements and network connections.
- Manufacturer’s installation requirements eg: Ventilation, building strength, viewing distance and other site requirements.
- The function of software in the operation of the product.
- Health and safety regulations and practices including waste carriage regulations and Electrostatic Discharge (ESD).
- Manufacturer’s service manuals as appropriate.
- The importance of van stock maintenance.
- The principles by which the product operates to help diagnose the faulty area and component or software.
Skills:
- good practical skills to work with hand and power tools
- the ability to follow technical drawings and instructions
- a methodical approach to work
- an ability to pay close attention to detail
- a commitment to keep up to date with industry developments
- the ability to work unsupervised and as part of a team
- good communication skills
- the ability to work at height
- normal colour vision
- a thorough understanding of safety rules and engagements
This apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity to kickstart a career in Electrical Engineering, earn whilst you learn and gain invaluable experience. To learn more please visit www.apprenticetips.com