Education · 1 of 4

The path

A two-year college diploma is the standard route. Ontario also has an apprenticeship.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Grade 12 math and physics. Any electronics or computer tech class is a bonus.

2. 2

   College diploma

   2 to 3 years

   Electronics engineering technician (2 years) or technology (3 years) at a college such as NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology), Algonquin, Humber, BCIT (British Columbia Institute of Technology) or Nova Scotia Community College. You learn circuits, soldering, digital systems and troubleshooting.

3. 3

   Or apprentice in Ontario

   About 3 years

   Electronic Service Technician (416E) is a registered trade with on-the-job and in-school training. There is no certifying exam, so you finish with a Certificate of Apprenticeship.

4. 4

   First job

   After graduation

   Repair depots, equipment manufacturers, hospitals, broadcasters and industrial service companies hire diploma graduates directly.

5. 5

   Specialise

   1 to 3 years on the job

   Medical, industrial, telecom or audio-visual. Manufacturer training on specific equipment is where the pay climbs.