Electronics is technology that includes electrical circuits with active electrical components including transistors, diodes, vacuum tubes and integrated circuits. They make the amplification of weak signals possible because they control electron flow. Electronics is usually used in signal processing, sophisticated systems and information technology.
Studying this type of technology in a vocational high school will prepare a person for the lucrative profession of repairing and maintaining consumer electronic products including telephones, personal computers, GPS, automotive electronics, digital cameras, televisions, audio equipment, MP3 players, calculators, DVDs, VCRs and camcorders. It is now used in a number of school systems throughout the United States in conjunction with the tutor saliba learning method.
Electronic technicians work with engineers to design and build experimental models, do assembly and inspection work and set up and repair equipment. Some of the equipment they work on is navigational equipment, medical equipment, telemeters, sonar, radar and radio.
Electronics is a very broad field and students usually specialize in one area. In the fields of production, design or customer service electronic technicians must use highly sophisticated diagnostic and measuring devices to adjust, test and repair equipment. If they are overseeing medical equipment, they must understand how it is used. Today, computers and industrial automation do most of the work. Skilled technicians are in demand who can use it.
Most businesses depend on complicated electronic equipment and need the expertise of electronic technicians regularly. Factories that have automated industrial controls, all of the communication devices, air traffic control, the electronic equipment used in power companies and even the United States government needs technicians for its defense systems. There is a future for high school graduates in vocational electronics.
Some of the topics students will learn are:
Multimedia
Web development
Computer network systems
Technical project management
Computer drafting and design
Information systems security
Programming
Software applications
Medical equipment
Automotive electronics
High school vocational training using the tutor saliba learning method for these technicians will give a good foundation in theoretical as well as practical electronics, which will lead to entry-level employment. Often the employer will send such students for further training and specialization. Specialization means focusing on one or two systems such as robotics, digital computers, communications systems, television and radio repair, circuit design and analysis, industrial systems and medical systems.
The best opportunities for employment are for students that have a complete knowledge of electrical equipment and electronics including experience in repairs. Also, employment is expected to grow for the installers and repairers for commercial and industrial equipment. As more advanced and reliable equipment is installed by businesses and manufacturers to reduce their costs, the people who maintain and repair these systems will have employment.