pc technician

National Occupation Classification Code: 2242


NEED TO KNOW:

What are the main duties of a PC Technician in Alberta?

PC Technicians install, service, and configure computer systems and networks including desktop and laptop PCs, servers and peripherals such as printers.

Typical duties include:

� Inspect and connect new equipment
� Install and configure application and operating system software and upgrades
� Install and configure security software such as firewalls and anti-virus tools
� Connect computers to wired and wireless local area networks
� Test new systems to ensure that they are in working order
� Respond to customer complaints and provide technical advice
� Troubleshoot and repair hardware and network connectivity issues
� Remove old equipment and performing data migration to new machines
� Keep records of maintenance work and repairs
�Analyze customer equipment performance records

What are the requirements to work as a PC Technician in Alberta?

The minimum education requirement for a PC Technician is a high school diploma plus related training or experience. Employers generally prefer to hire job applicants who have related post-secondary education and certification.

There are a variety of post-secondary education programs offered in this field. In Alberta, the following institutions offer related technical programs that are less than one year in length:

� Academy of Learning 
� Alberta Career Computer Centre
� Bow Valley College
� DeVry Institute of Technology 
� Grande Prairie Regional College
� HCC Choice College
� Lakeland College 
� Medicine Hat College
� Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
� Red Deer College
� Northern Lakes College
� Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)


Certification Requirements
The Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta - ASET offers certification for graduates of recognized education programs that have two years of successful experience in industry. The designations CET (Certified Engineering Technologist) and C. Tech. (Certified Technician) can be used only by members of ASET and other provincial associations within the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT).

What kind of skills and experience do employers expect in a PC Technician?

PC Technicians need excellent problem-solving and customer-service skills, as well as thorough knowledge of PC hardware, software and network connections. Employers look for relevant training, which may include an associate�s degree or completion of coursework through a technical school, as well as hands-on experience working with PC hardware and software. One to five years of previous experience may be required depending on complexity of the position. Professional certification such as the A+ certificate or Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) designation also provide important skills validation and may be a requisite.

Over 6,850 Albertans are employed in the Electronic Service Technicians (Household and Business Equipment) occupational group which is expected to grow 1.9 to 2.9 per cent each year from 2006 to 2011 in Alberta. It is forecasted that 130 to 200 new positions will be created each year in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

What kind of salary information can I utilize to help me with my job search?

Salaries for PC Technicians vary considerably depending on the employer and the employee's qualifications and responsibilities. According to the 2005 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in this occupational group working part-time or full-time earned from $14,200 to $81,100 a year. The average salary was $44,200 a year.