Computer Service Technician

Diploma of Computer Systems Engineering

2009 - INTAKE 2009

Something's wrong with the computer. 'It's 8am. You've got 15 frantic minutes to complete that assignment that you have to submit. And just when you're about to add the finishing touches, the cruelest thing happens. Your computer breaks down. As tempting as it might be, don't reach for that sledgehammer. Call a computer service technician who installs, maintains, diagnoses faults and repairs computer hardware. They replace circuit boards, repair or replace hardware components such as printers or CD-ROMS and they replace worn-out connections.

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Education requirements may vary from job to job. Of those currently employed 24% have Bachelor Degrees; 15% have either Certificate III or IV; 10% have either an Advanced Diploma or a Diploma; 6% have either a Certificate I or II; and 37% have no post school qualifications. In order for you to have the best possible chance of finding employment it is recommended that you gain the available qualifications.

TAFE SA offers the following courses that may assist you gaining employment in this occupation: A Certificate I, II, III, IV and a Diploma in Information Technology. For further information about these courses please check the TAFE SA website, www.tafe.sa.edu.au.

Work may be sought with companies that assemble and service computers or with those that provide technical support services, including retail computer shops that provide service to their customers. In South Australia, companies tend to be quite small and usually employ around 2 - 5 computer service technicians. There are a few larger companies employing up to 20 technicians. Most work tends to be on a full-time basis. The demand for computer service technicians is currently high. As computers become more affordable and electronic business becomes more widespread, home and small office usage is increasing all the time. With this expansion, the need for technical support is also growing.

Property and Business Services

To be updated.

Computer service technician, Steven wouldn't think of working in another job. 'You get to work in an industry where you deal with cutting edge technology every day. I get to use and play with equipment that other people dream of - the best quality graphic cards and the fastest CPUs. You can't get hands-on experience or even get to see such new and costly items, unless you are working as a computer service technician or in a related IT career.' According to technicians, finding where the problem lies is the hardest part of the job. Although sometimes a call to deal with a major hardware error turns out to be a monitor that hasn't been turned on! But it is not just repairs that a computer service technician undertakes. Technicians working in computer shops will also be involved in assembly work. They arrange those thousands of tiny components in the computer that is sitting on your desk today.

When a client's computer has broken down, the technician usually spends considerable time listening to the client before inspecting the equipment and trying to locate the cause of the malfunction. So, if you have effective communication skills, problem solving skills and are a lateral thinker then this type of work will definitely interest you. Being able to use terminology that clients can understand is particularly important when working in a technical field. In general, a computer service technician must have a thorough understanding of computers and information technology systems and that means keeping up to date with technologies that are changing at a rapid rate.

In the main, computer service technicians work for companies that provide technical support services for individuals and companies. Technicians are usually called out to a number of clients each day, either in their home or office, to attend to their computing needs. A client who has purchased a new computer may require someone to come and set it up for them. Even though a computer service technician spends most of their time dealing with computer hardware, they will also install software and run tests on the computer to make sure that it is in working order.

The starting salary for a graduate in this area is around $40,000 per year. With more experience, technicians' salaries may go up to approximately $50,000.

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