Employment

Many opportunities are available for professionals with skills in the electronics, computer, and cabling and wiring fields. Employers include telephone, satellite, and radio communications organizations; manufacturers and aerospace firms; small- and medium-sized businesses of all types, including electrical and construction contractors and audio/video specialists; and schools and government agencies. 

Electronics technicians and technologists work with engineers to develop, manufacture, calibrate, test, and repair electronic devices and systems. Technicians use complex measuring and diagnostic devices to analyze, test, and verify the operation of circuits and systems. Technicians working in the communications field may need licenses from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Mt. SAC is an authorized testing center for FCC licensing examinations administered by the National Association of Radio and Telecommunications Engineers. In California alone, employment of electrical and electronic engineering technicians is expected to grow by nearly 20% by 2014.    

Computer maintenance technicians maintain and repair computers and peripherals at both the hardware and software levels. Network specialists design and develop systems for linking computers with each other and with peripheral devices. Highly skilled network specialists troubleshoot systems and supervise installations. Demand for both specialties continues to grow because increasing reliance on fully networked computer systems has created a shortage of both qualified entry-level technicians and fully qualified workers.