Everybody encounters computer problems. For those who can confidently say 'I can fix that', the job of a computer service technician might be a perfect fit.

Much like a doctor who diagnoses and treats illnesses, a computer service technician locates and fixes computer hardware problems.

Close to 86% of the computer service technicians in Western Australia work in the Perth metropolitan area. The South West and South Eastern regions claim 5% and 3% of the State's computer service technicians respectively.

A Certificate III in Information Technology (General), Certificate III in Information Technology (Network Administration), Certificate IV in Information Technology (Technical Support), Certificate IV in Information Technology (Network Management), and a Diploma of Information Technology (Network Engineering) are available from various campuses of TAFE.

Each year, approximately 200 people commence the Certificate courses while 120 students commence the Diploma course.

'Something's wrong with the computer..'

It's 8 in the morning. 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 cruellest 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.


Lightning-quick CPUs and Detective-work

Computer service technician, Steven Rowe wouldn't think of working in another job.

'You get to work in an industry where you deal with cutting edge technology each day. I get to use and play with equipment that other people dream of - the best quality graphic cards and the fastest CPU's. 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.



House (and Office) Calls

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 his/her 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 Skills You Need

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.



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 Western 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.

As computers become more affordable, and electronic business becomes more widespread, home and small office usage increases. With this expansion, the need for technical support also grows, which is the case at present.

The starting salary for a graduate in this area is around $24,000 per year. With more experience, technicians' salaries may go up to approximately $40,000.

Education requirements may vary from job to job. It may be advantageous to have completed formal training in this area.

The Certificates III in Information Technology (General) and (Network Administration) are both offered through various campuses of TAFE and require a minimum C grade in four accredited Year 11 (D Code) subjects including an English and Mathematics, or successful completion of a Certificate II in Information Technology, or equivalent.

A Certificate IV of Information Technology (Technical Support) is available from the Albany, Balga, Carlisle and Esperance campuses of TAFE. You will need to have successfully completed the Certificate III in Information Technology (Software Applications), (General) or (Network Administration), or equivalent. Contact your preferred campus for further information.

The Certificate IV in Information Technology (Network Management) is offered through various campuses of TAFE. You will need to have completed the Certificate III in Information Technology (General), (Software Applications) or (Network Administration), or equivalent.

A Diploma of Information Technology (Network Engineering) is available from various campuses of TAFE. The minimum entry requirement is the completion of the Certificate IV in Information Technology (Network Management), or equivalent.

There are a number of other training providers in Western Australia that also offer relevant training.

For more information on these providers, have a look at the NTIS site that is listed in the educational contacts below.

Relevant industry experience may also be advantageous to gaining entry into this occupation.

	Other Training Providers
	National Training Information Service website.
	TAFE Colleges
	Homepage links and contact details for all TAFE Colleges in WA.
	TAFE Handbook
	An online guide to full-time TAFE courses throughout WA.

Information, Electrotechnology and Utilities ITC
PO Box 597 Balcatta WA 6021 Phone: (08) 9240 2688 URL: http://www.ieu.com.au

Australian Computer Society
Suite 4-342 Albany Highway Victoria Park WA 6100 Phone: (08) 9470 4878

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