What does your role involve?

My job involves testing and repairing vehicle parts such as power steering pumps, ABS controllers, ECU’s (Electronic Control Unit), ABS pumps and airflows. I then record my findings and inform customers of problems found on their unit and/or suggest other possible faults. I also order new parts needed for the repair.

How did you get to this position?

I saw the job advertised in the local paper and only filled one of the criteria, which was surface mount (SMT), but I decided to apply all the same and was offered an interview. I first got into the electronics industry through a company that makes fire alarms, and I learned to solder and run large surface mount machines. Since then I have learned many new skills, all of which play a role in my daily work at BBA-Reman.

What do you enjoy about your job? Are there any difficult areas?

I enjoy many things about working for BBA, I get a good variety of work everyday and we are always trying to find new fixes for products. If I feel anything could be done to improve the procedure or maybe a new product, the company is willing to try it out. We also work well as a team, the staff are very friendly and helpful. We often put our heads together to find a solution. Sometimes things can get a little hectic but our efforts do not go unnoticed. We are always looking at better time management to ensure an efficient service to our customers.

What professional qualifications are useful in this career?

Useful qualifications are BTEC National Certificates and Diplomas. Although I had none of these, I am now at college one day a week sponsored by my employer, studying for a BTEC National Certificate in Electronic Engineering, which should make me more flexible around the company. Electronics qualifications rarely cover soldering and some soldering courses are available separately. I would recommend this to anyone looking to do hands on work.

Are there personal qualities that help in this profession?

You need to be determined, hard work, not be frightened of getting a little dirty. A bubbly approach helps as a lot of team work is needed.

What would your advice be to individuals interested in following a similar path?

Find an employer who is willing to invest in their staff with training to a recognised qualification and constant development. Things such as SMT and PCB Design are highly sought after.

What kind of salary bracket does this career fall into?

Electronic engineers can get anything between £14,000 and £50,000 a year based on qualifications and knowledge in the specific field. This varies all over the country and generally pay is more further north owing to the lack of skilled employees in the electronics field.