Electrical Engineering Draftspersons, Technicians
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Electrical Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians assist in electrical engineering research, design, manufacture, assembly, construction, operation and maintenance of equipment, facilities and distribution systems.
Tasks
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preparing drawings, plans and diagrams of electrical installations and circuitry
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assisting Electrical Engineers and Engineering Technologists in design and layout of electrical installations and circuitry on substations, switchgear, cabling systems and motor control systems
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collecting data, performing tests and complex calculations, graphing results, and preparing charts and tabulations
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estimating materials costs and quantities
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inspecting designs and finished products for compliance with specifications and regulations
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assembling, installing, testing, calibrating, modifying and repairing electrical equipment and installations to conform with regulations and safety requirements
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undertaking electrical workshop functions such as installing assemblies for protection relays, metering and indicating devices
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assisting with research and experimentation programs
Characteristics
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University
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Vocational Education and Training (VET)
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Practical
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Analytical
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Administrative
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Light
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Medium
Outlook
JSA produces employment projections to show where likely future job opportunities may be. The latest data are for the five years from November 2021 to November 2026. Over this period, the number of workers in this occupation is likely to remain stable.
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Notes: The number employed includes people who work in this occupation as their main job. People who work in more than one job are counted against the occupation they work the most hours in.
Employment projections figures are rounded to the nearest 100. Calculations based on these rounded figures may result in differences to the numbers that are displayed on this page. Employment projections data (including occupations) can be downloaded from the Employment Projections page.
Number of Workers
Year | Employment |
---|---|
2011 | 8,600 |
2012 | 5,400 |
2013 | 8,900 |
2014 | 8,500 |
2015 | 11,200 |
2016 | 7,600 |
2017 | 4,800 |
2018 | 8,400 |
2019 | 15,700 |
2020 | 10,100 |
2021 | 10,000 |
2026 | 10,100 |
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, ABS seasonally adjusted data to November 2021 and Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
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Around 87% of people employed as Electrical Engineering Draftspersons, Technicians work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 21 percentage points above the all jobs average (66%).
Full-time workers work an average of 45 hours per week in their main job. This is similar to the all jobs average (44 hours per week).
Median full-time earnings are $1,816 per week, this is much higher than the all jobs median ($1,593):
- 3 in 4 workers earn more than $1,656
- 1 in 4 earn more than $2,504
Median hourly earnings are $50, this is more than the all jobs median ($41 per hour).
Sources: Full-time share and full-time hours: ABS, 2016 Census, customised report. Compared to the all jobs average. Full-time median earnings and median hourly earnings: ABS, Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021. Compared to all jobs median.
Weekly Earnings (Before Tax)
Earnings | Electrical Engineering Draftspersons, Technicians | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Full-Time Earnings | 1,816 | 1,593 |
Total Earnings | 0 | 0 |
Source: Based on ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021, Customised Report. Median weekly total cash earnings for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate. Earnings are before tax and include amounts salary sacrificed. Earnings can vary greatly depending on the skills and experience of the worker and the demands of the role. These figures should be used as a guide only, not to determine a wage rate.
Industries
Main industries
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Electrical Engineering Draftspersons, Technicians work in industries like:
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, annual average 2021.
Regions
Employment across Australia
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
NT
ACT
Employment by State and Territory (% Share)
State | Electrical Engineering Draftspersons, Technicians | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 25.8 | 31.6 |
VIC | 20.8 | 25.6 |
QLD | 22.6 | 20.0 |
SA | 7.0 | 7.0 |
WA | 18.7 | 10.8 |
TAS | 2.9 | 2.0 |
NT | 1.5 | 1.0 |
ACT | 0.7 | 1.9 |
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Around 42% of Electrical Engineering Draftspersons, Technicians live outside of capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 38%.
Western Australia has a large share of employment relative to its population size.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Share of workers across Australian states, territories and regions, in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Worker profile
Age and gender
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The median age of Electrical Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians is 42 years. This is similar to the all jobs average of 40 years.
A large share of workers are aged 25 to 34 years.
Females make up 7% of the workforce. This is 41 percentage points below the all jobs average of 48%.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile and gender share compared to the all jobs average.
Age Profile (% Share)
Age Bracket | Electrical Engineering Draftspersons, Technicians | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 0.9 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 4.9 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 25.5 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 24.0 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 24.3 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 10.5 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 6.2 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 3.6 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 42 | 40 |
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Employment Pathways
Education, training and experience
A Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification in electrical engineering or another related field is usually needed to work as an Electrical Engineering Draftsperson or Technician. Some workers have a university qualification.
Visit
- Course Seeker to search and compare higher education courses.
- ComparED to compare undergraduate and postgraduate student experiences and outcomes.
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Electrotechnology, Transmission & Distribution, Electricity Supply Industry - Generation Sector and Metal and Engineering VET training pathways.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Electrical Engineering Draftspersons, Technicians | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 3.1 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 10.4 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 24.2 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 51.4 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 7.2 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 1.2 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 2.5 | 12.5 |
Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.
Skills and Knowledge
Employers look for Electrical Engineering Draftspersons, Technicians who are reliable, work well in a team and have a strong work ethic.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
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57%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
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55%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
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52%
Quality control analysisDoing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.
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50%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
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48%
Operation monitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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48%
TroubleshootingFiguring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.
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46%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
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46%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
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46%
Active learningBeing able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
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46%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
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46%
MathematicsUsing maths to solve problems.
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45%
Coordination with othersBeing adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
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45%
InstructingTeaching people how to do something.
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45%
RepairingFixing machines or systems.
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45%
SpeakingTalking to others.
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45%
WritingWriting things for co-workers or customers.
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43%
Equipment maintenanceMaintaining equipment and deciding what maintenance will be needed in the future.
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43%
Systems analysisFiguring out how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect it.
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43%
Systems evaluationMeasuring how well a system is working and how to improve it.
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43%
Time managementManaging your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
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70%
MechanicalMachines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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69%
Engineering and technologyUse engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
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67%
Computers and electronicsCircuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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64%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
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59%
Technical designDesign techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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55%
PhysicsThe physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.
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54%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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51%
Production and processingRaw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.
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50%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
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47%
ClericalWord processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
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46%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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46%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
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43%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
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38%
ChemistryChemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.
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32%
Communications and mediaMedia production, communication, and dissemination. Includes written, spoken, and visual media.
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27%
Law and governmentHow our laws and courts work. Government rules and regulations, and the political system.
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27%
TelecommunicationsTransmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
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26%
PsychologyHuman behaviour; differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; research methods; assessing and treating disorders.
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22%
TransportationMoving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.
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20%
Building and constructionMaterials, and methods used to construct or repair houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
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57%
Oral comprehensionListen to and understand what people say.
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57%
Oral expressionCommunicate by speaking.
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57%
Written comprehensionRead and understand written information.
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55%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
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55%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
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55%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
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55%
Sorting or orderingOrder or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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54%
Colour discriminationNotice differences between colours, including shades of colour and brightness.
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54%
VisualizationImagine how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
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52%
Inductive reasoningUse lots of detailed information to come up with answers or make general rules.
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52%
Written expressionWrite in a way that people can understand.
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52%
CategorisingCome up with different ways of grouping things.
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46%
Arm-hand steadinessKeep your hand or arm steady.
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46%
Finger dexterityPut together small parts with your fingers.
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45%
BrainstormingCome up with a number of ideas about a topic, even if the ideas aren't very good.
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45%
Flexibility of closureSee a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) hidden in other distracting material.
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45%
Perceptual speedUse your eyes to quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
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43%
Manual dexterityQuickly move your hand to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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43%
Speech recognitionIdentify and understand the speech of another person.
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41%
Speech claritySpeak clearly so others can understand you.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
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72%
Collecting and organising informationCompiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or checking information or data.
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71%
Keeping your knowledge up-to-dateKeeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
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67%
Building good relationshipsBuilding good working relationships and keeping them over time.
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66%
Thinking creativelyUsing your own ideas for developing, designing, or creating something new.
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65%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
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64%
Documenting or recording informationEntering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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63%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
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63%
Drafting, laying out, and specifying partsDetailing and describing how devices, parts or equipment are to be made, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
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63%
Working with computersUsing computers to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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63%
Working with electronic equipmentServicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing electronic devices and equipment.
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61%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
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60%
Checking compliance with standardsDeciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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60%
Controlling equipment or machinesOperating machines or processes either directly or using controls (not including computers or vehicles).
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59%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
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58%
Making sense of information and ideasLooking at, working with, and understanding data or information.
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53%
Checking for errors or defectsInspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
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53%
Looking for changes over timeComparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
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51%
Explaining things to peopleHelping people to understand and use information.
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51%
Scheduling work and activitiesWorking out the timing of events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
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48%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
Interests and demands
Learn about the daily activities, and physical and social demands faced by workers. Explore the values and work styles that workers rate as most important.
Interests
Interests are the style or type of work we prefer to do. All interest areas are shown below.
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100%
PracticalPractical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
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86%
AnalyticalIdeas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
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62%
AdministrativeFollowing set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
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33%
CreativeWorking with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
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33%
EnterprisingStarting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.
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14%
HelpingWorking with people. Helping or providing service to others.
Values
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76%
SupportSupportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.
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64%
Working conditionsJob security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.
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62%
RelationshipsServe and work with others. Workers usually get along well with each other, do things to help other people, and are rarely pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
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57%
IndependenceWork alone and make decisions. Workers are able to try out their own ideas, make decisions on their own, and work with little or no supervision.
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57%
RecognitionAdvancement and the potential to lead. Workers are recognised for the work that they do, they may give directions and instructions to others, and they are looked up to in their company and their community.
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52%
AchievementResults oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
Demands
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96%
Electronic mailUse electronic mail.
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94%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
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89%
TeamworkWork with people in a group or team.
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88%
Being exact or accurateBe very exact or highly accurate.
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85%
Freedom to make decisionsHave freedom to make decision on your own.
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84%
Contact with peopleHave contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
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84%
Unstructured workHave freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.
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84%
Indoors, heat controlledWork indoors with access to heating or cooling.
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83%
TelephoneTalk on the telephone.
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81%
Impact of decisionsMake decisions that have a large impact on other people.
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75%
Lead or coordinate a teamLead others to do work activities.
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74%
Wear common protective or safety equipmentWear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.
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73%
Time pressureWork to strict deadlines.
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72%
Using your hands to handle, control, or feelSpend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
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69%
Health and safety of othersTake responsibility for the health and safety of others.
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68%
Physically close to peopleWork physically close to other people.
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67%
Repeating same tasksRepeat the same tasks or activities (e.g., key entry) over and over, without stopping.
-
66%
Spend time sittingSpend time sitting at work.
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64%
Frequent decision makingFrequently make decisions that impact other people.
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63%
Responsible for outcomesTake responsibility for the results of other people's work.
O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 17-3023.03 - Electrical Engineering Technicians.
Links and downloads
Research and reports
The Skills Priority List provides a current labour market rating and a future demand rating for nearly 800 occupations nationally. Current labour market ratings are available for occupations at a state and territory level.
Downloads
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Occupation profiles data are available for download.
The Employment Projections are available for download.