When hiring support or repair technicians. Electronic training is offered by high school Career and Technology Education programs and post-secondary schools, including public or private technical schools and community colleges. Programs usually last 1 to 2 years. The military services also offer formal training and work experience. Training includes general courses in mathematics, physics, electricity, electronics, schematic reading, and troubleshooting.
Many technicians also take advanced training in a particular system or type of repair.
Experienced repairers with advanced training may become specialists or troubleshooters who help other repairers diagnose difficult problems, or work with engineers in designing equipment and developing maintenance procedures. Because of their familiarity with equipment, repairers are particularly well qualified to become manufacturers' sales workers. Workers with leadership ability also may become maintenance supervisors or service managers. Some experienced workers open their own repair services or shops, or become wholesalers or retailers of computer equipment. Median weekly earnings varied widely by occupation and the type of equipment repaired.