Employment of radio mechanics is expected to decline through 2008. Many companies have replaced their two-way radios with cellular phones, so there are not as many radios to repair. Preparation Most employers prefer applicants with formal training in electronics. Public and private post secondary vocational schools, and technical institutes offer electronics training. Junior and community colleges and some high schools and correspondence schools also offer training.
Programs take one to two years.
The military also offers training and work experience. Training includes general courses in schematic reading, electricity, mathematics, physics, electronics, and troubleshooting. Students also take specialty courses in computers. A few repairers complete apprenticeship programs. Employers and the local International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers sponsor these.