Explore careers

Useful experience for electronics trades workers includes:

• work at electronics businesses
• work involving electrical or electronic components
• mechanical work.

Electronics trades workers may do some or all of the following:

• assemble, install and fix electronic products, equipment and security systems
• run tests to check for faults
• analyse the testing data and report findings
• repair problems and replace any faulty parts
• quality control
• package and prepare electronic products for export. 

Experienced electronics trades workers in demand

Chances of getting a job as an electronics trades worker are best for those with experience.

Heavy industrial companies, such as those in the pulp and paper industry or steel industry, are currently upgrading and automating their processes. This means there is demand for experienced workers to be involved in the installation, commissioning and maintenance of automation equipment and control systems.

Electronic equipment trades worker appears on Immigration New Zealand’s regional skill shortage list. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled electronics trades workers from overseas to work in New Zealand.

According to the Census, 2,268 electronics trades workers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Limited opportunities at smaller electronics service companies

Even with a shortage of electronics trades workers, it can still be hard to get a job. Many electronics and servicing companies are small and employ only a few staff. Some electronics trades workers are also self-employed.

Job opportunities for electronics trades workers are often better in larger companies where many workers may be contracted for specific projects. 

Types of employers varied

Electronics trades workers can work for:

• small repair companies
• larger electronics maintenance companies and repair chains
• industrial companies, as specialist in-house technicians
• electronics design or manufacturing companies.

Industry Connection for Excellence (ICE)

0508 442 395 info@icexl.co.nz -https://icexl.co.nz

Wintec

0800 294 6832 info@wintec.ac.nz -www.wintec.ac.nz/

Electronics trades workers may progress to set up their own business.

Electronics trades workers can specialise in a number of roles, including:

Electrical Appliance Serviceperson

Electrical appliance servicepeople install, repair and maintain electrical appliances such as refrigerators, microwaves, photocopiers and gaming machines.

Electronics Technician

Electronics technicians assemble, install and repair electronic systems and circuits.

Industrial Measurement and Control Technician

Industrial measurement and control technicians install, maintain and repair systems used to regulate and control industrial machinery and equipment.

Security Systems Technician

Security systems technicians develop, install, test and maintain security equipment and systems.

Electronics trades workers need to be:

• safety-conscious
• accurate, methodical and analytical
• honest and reliable
• able to follow instructions
• good problem-solvers.