Electronic Engineering Associate

• Advanced Diploma of Electronics and Communications Engineering

Thanks to electronic engineering associates, we have the opportunity to use many of the computer and communications systems, as well as electronically or computer-driven appliances that have become such a huge part of our everyday existence. Electronic engineers design and manufacture electronic components. The tasks handled by them range from the design and testing of integrated circuits (microelectronics) and the design of radio components and systems such as radio transmitters and receivers. Another of their key tasks involves the design of interface systems to computers or embedded controllers. Some of the more typical electronic equipment worked on by electronic engineering associates includes DVDs, Eftpos machines, microwaves and CD players. An electronic engineering associate also develops 'controllers' for industrial applications. For example, processing plants are operated and controlled by computers which require electronic sensors that are developed by electronic engineers.

It's fairly obvious that many of the changes that we've had to adapt to in life, have come about as a result of the electronic and communications revolution that continues to evolve. Financial transactions at banks, supermarkets and our communications with friends via e-mail, are clear evidence of this. 'Electronic engineering allows you to be at the forefront of designing and implementing exciting changes that will alter the way people work and live,' says Vaughan Wittorff, Senior Lecturer, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. 'The fields of electronic engineering, telecommunications and computer engineering are rapidly converging, as computers and other electronic circuits are being linked in larger and more extensive networks. The resulting changes will be far more reaching than most can imagine,' he says.

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To become an electronic engineering associate, you will need to complete the Advanced Diploma of Electronics Enginnering. To become an electronics engineer requires university study. Most universities offer relevant courses. Entry to these courses generally requires the completion of Year 12 with a satisfactory Tertiary Entrance Rank and good grades in calculus, applicable mathematics, chemistry and physics. Students who have undertaken Certificate or Diploma courses in electronics available through TAFE may be able to gain credits for some modules, should they wish to go on to university.

TAFE SA Offers a Diploma and an Advanced Diploma in Electronics and Communications Engineering. For more information about courses please check the TAFE SA website, www.tafe.sa.edu.au.

There are also SA Apprenticeships available, for further information go to the Traineeship & Apprenticeship website, www.employment.sa.gov.au or phone the Freecall number 1800 673 097.

Still Unsure! Then contact the TAFE SA Information Line on 1800 882 661 to enquire about the availability of related short courses.

There are a number of specialised areas where electronic engineering associates work. For example, in the telecommunications industry, an electronic engineer is known as a communications engineer. Software engineering is another specialist area of electronic engineering as is computer systems engineering.

There are excellent employment opportunities in this fast growing area, but the demand for electronic engineering associates differs according to their area of speciality. There is an expanding market for the design and testing of integrated circuits for devices such as mobile phones, modems and instrumentation. Due to an increasing demand for these devices, as well as increasing cost and reliability issues, new 'specialist' design companies are being created to service niche markets. The demand for electronic engineering associates who focus on this area of electronic engineering has increased accordingly. In addition, electronic engineers are at the leading edge of the development of wireless and data network components and communications systems such as that used in the defence force. This has in turn resulted in better employment opportunities for electronic engineers employed in that industry. Recent developments in mining technology is creating new opportunities for electronic engineering associates, however, this is dependent on the level of activity in the mining industry. Opportunities, however, in microelectronics and integrated circuit manufacturing tend to be better interstate and overseas.

Communication Services,  Electricity, Gas and Water Supply,  Mining

Jayson Vowles – Electronic Engineering
TAFE is a great learning environment and has great lecturing staff and support services for students.'
Electronic Engineering is something that Jayson has always wanted to do. 'I was always messing around with electronics as a kid,' he recalls.

After leaving high school, Jayson studied Electronic Engineering for a short time at TAFE before gaining full time employment. Jayson worked full time for six years before returning to study, deciding that he wanted to pursue a new direction and focus in his life, and work towards 'a career that could really take him places.'

Jayson commenced his studies in Electronic Engineering, choosing TAFE because the classes offered plenty of hands on experience and a good mix of practical and theory-based learning. 'What you learn has practical sense and the delivery of the teaching material is excellent, which makes it easy to understand,' he said.

After completing his Advanced Diploma in Electronic Engineering, Jayson won a New Millennium Scholarship sponsored by Clipsal Integrated Systems, winning him the position of Technician within the Test and Repair Area at Clipsal. Jayson also won the award for most outstanding achievement for his studies in the Certificate II, Diploma and Advanced Diploma, and was a semi-finalist for the Adelaide Bank Vocational Student of the Year.

TAFE has given Jayson focus and direction in life. 'Instead of living day to day, I am setting goals and achieving them,' he said. Since beginning work Jayson has been promoted to the position of Senior Technician at Clipsal, and his future ambitions include working towards a career in Research and Development or a Supervisory/Coordinator role.

Jayson recalls his experience at TAFE as being positive in every sense, making his studies all the more enjoyable. 'TAFE is a great learning environment and has great lecturing staff and support services for students,' he said. 'Everyone is friendly and helpful, and the staff are very knowledgeable. All resources needed are around.'

Electrical engineering associates are involved in the planning, design, selection, installation, starting up, and maintenance of electrical equipment, facilities, power-plant installations, parts and distribution systems. Electrical engineering associates usually work on a range of duties that lie between the trade levels and technologist levels.

Federal, state and territory government departments, private manufacturing organisations and suppliers of electrical and power electronic equipment employ electrical engineering associates, as do the mining and processing, and paper and chemical industries, and vehicle manufacturers. They can work on-site or in offices, in technical laboratories or workshops, power stations and control centres.

Because most of an electronic engineering associate's work involves applying the principles of mathematics and physics, a good understanding and practical ability in these areas are important. It will also pay to have a curious mind and an interest in how electronic appliances work. Good communication skills are also important as electronics engineers often work in teams. Constant changes in technology mean that an electronic engineering associate's skill base needs to change at the same rate, so continuing professional development is a big part of an electronic engineering career. Keeping up to date with new developments in IT, telecommunications and engineering provides a rewarding stimulus to a career in electronic engineering.

'You need to be conscious of the marketability of your knowledge and skills and keep yourself up to date,' according to a telecommunications engineer working on the construction of a major telecommunications network. Major areas of employment include electronic engineering consulting firms, communications and power companies, IT and businesses involved in manufacturing and sales. You will also find electronic engineering associates working in areas such as medicine, aviation, robotics and the aviation industry. There are opportunities for self employment, but be prepared to first put in the time working for other companies, in order to gain the necessary skills. Electronic engineering associates typically work in an office and laboratory environment.

For further information, contact:

Engineers Australia (SA Division)
11 Bagot St North Adelaide SA 5006
Ph: (08) 8267 1783
Fax: (08) 8239 0932
Email: sadivision@engineersaustralia.org.au
Website: www.engineersaustralia.org.au

The Information, Telecommunications and Electronics Engineering Society (National Office)
c/- Engineers Australia PO Box 6238 Kingston ACT 2604
Ph: (02) 6270 6539
Fax: (02) 6273 2358
Email: jarmstrong@engineersaustralia.org.au
Website: http://members.ozemail.com.au/~iteesoc

Graduates into this field usually have a starting salary of approximately $35,000 to $40,000 per annum. With more experience, salaries can reach up to and above $100,000. Those in management or in highly specialised positions have the opportunity to earn this higher-end figure.

For further information about all TAFE SA Courses, phone 1800 882 661 or email tafeinfo@saugov.sa.gov.au