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Meet Harry. He's 22 and from Kent. Find out about his job as a field technician. Part of our Bitesize world of work series.

I always wanted to do a job that was practical. I enjoy it because I go out and about – it is not office-based!

How would you describe your job?

My job involves a lot of travelling around and ensuring that the TV and radio transmitters across the south-east of England are up and running. If there are any faults we go and fix them.

What are your day-to-day tasks?

One of our daily tasks is to go around and take measurements of the performance of the transmitter equipment. I make sure that all the equipment is running well. If there is a fault, I have to fix it and find out where the fault is coming from.

Is this the job you always knew you wanted?

I always wanted to do a job that was practical and something within the broadcast environment. Initially I wanted to be a cameraman, but I found it wasn’t for me so I moved to this job. I enjoy it because I go out and about – it is not office-based.

What subjects from school do you draw on?

At school I studied Electronics and Physics which have both been useful. Electronics has enabled me to work on circuit boards if necessary and Physics has given me an understanding of how radio and digital TV is actually broadcast to your home.

Top tips

• Do something you think you will enjoy, not necessarily that will pay well or looks good to do. You should do something that will keep you happy

• Try things, even if you’re not sure you will enjoy it. I did some placements – I didn’t know I’d necessarily enjoy them, but having done them I knew that was an area I didn’t want to go into, which was helpful.

Harry's job is very hands-on and practical and involves fixing problems as they come up. He is a field technician, which means he is based outside the office and travels a lot. A role similar to Harry's is an electronics maintenance technician. Electronics maintenance technicians design, build and maintain electronic systems and components.

What to expect if you want to be an electronics maintenance technician

• Electronics maintenance technician average salary: £18,000 to £35,000 per year
• Electronics maintenance technician typical working hours: 41 to 43 per week. You could work evenings, weekends and bank holidays on shifts.

What qualifications do you need to be an electronics maintenance technician?

You could get into this role via a university course, a college course (such as a Level 3 Diploma, a Level 4 Certificate, or a T-level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control – England-only, from Sept 2022) and an apprenticeship.

Sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service,

This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the for the latest information and all the qualifications needed and the for more on T-levels.

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