Repair technicians provide repair and maintenance services for vehicles, equipment, appliances, computers, or other machinery or systems. Depending on the nature of the item in need of repair, these services can be provided in the workshop or on site, at the customer's business or residence. The role of a repair technician focuses on evaluating the problem or damage of a device and implementing solutions to make it work again. In general, the tasks of a repair technician involve solving problems, providing technical assistance, installing and writing programs, disconnecting and reconnecting cables, soldering, and discussing problems and solutions with customers.
Depending on the industry they work in, they may specialize in certain areas such as brakes, transmissions, air conditioning systems, electrical appliances or other consumer goods. In addition to repairing and maintaining items, repair technicians may also be required to work as part of a team that requires coordination and communication. For example, an auto repair technician inspects, maintains and repairs gasoline, electric, hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles. In smaller companies, their functions can include a full range of repair and maintenance services.
Appliance repair technicians are responsible for diagnosing and repairing all types of equipment. They typically work with industrial or commercial machinery but can also repair electrical appliances or other consumer goods. With experience, repair technicians can move on to management positions or open their own repair shops. Computer repair technicians mainly deal with the hardware components of a computer but they are sometimes asked to install or replace drives, memory and cards. They may also be required to create a system from components and load the operating system software to the hard drive.
Many experienced computer repair technicians can work as freelancers or as consultants and operate from their home office. In industries such as automotive and manufacturing, a repair specialist is usually a member of a maintenance team that repairs and maintains machinery and equipment. Automotive air conditioning repairers install and repair air conditioners and service parts such as compressors, condensers and controls. Brake repairers adjust brakes, replace brake pads and linings and perform other repairs to brake systems. As repair technicians become more familiar with technology-based tools they can use them to perform repairs more quickly and efficiently. Computer repair technicians typically work in stores, corporate information technology departments, government offices and hospitals among other locations. When you're ready to become a repair technician you might be wondering which companies hire them.
Many programs exist that teach the repair technician how to correctly diagnose and repair various types of equipment. These programs can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. In general, repair specialists achieve similar levels of education compared to the resumes of repair technicians. Automotive repair technicians may specialize in a particular type of repair that may be subject to specific regulations or procedures.
