Training Requirements
What Employers Are Looking for
Employers generally look for applicants with a high school diploma, some postsecondary school courses or an associate's degree. You may also train by entering an apprenticeship program to become a radio electrician, radio mechanic or radio repairer. As an apprentice, you take classes and work in the field while learning your trade. Radio technicians need good color vision, as well as good communication, technical and troubleshooting skills.
If you plan to maintain and repair ship or airline 2-way radios or ship or airline radio stations, you need a commercial operator license issued by FCC (Federal Communications Commission). You must pass examinations in maintenance practices, electronics and radio law.
Job Postings from Real Employers
Most employers looking for radio technicians seek candidates who have work experience similar to the advertised job. Some employers may request a certain level of education, generally an associate's degree. Here are three recent online job posts from March 2012 for radio technicians.
- An emergency radio services company in Indiana is looking for a radio technician to service, program, maintain and install 2-way radios. An applicant needs an associate's degree in electronics, 2 years of experience and ETA (Electronics Technicians Association) certification.
- A radio company in Virginia seeks an electronic radio technician to service, install and repair Kenwood and Motorola radios, de-install and program radios and repair 2-way radios. They are looking for someone with five years of experience.
- An employer in the aircraft industry in New York is looking for an aircraft radio technician to troubleshoot interference problems of a radio frequency. Candidates need experience doing this type of work.
