Office equipment service technicians, often known as field support technicians, are responsible for installing, maintaining and repairing printers, scanners, photocopiers and fax machines. Their work can also include the upkeep of computer terminals and monitors.

Service technicians' main duties include:

• pre-delivery inspections 
• installing new or refurbished equipment
• carrying out scheduled maintenance checks
• diagnosing and fixing faults on site
• fitting replacement equipment where they cannot fix problems straight away
• returning faulty equipment to a repair centre
• logging repairs and writing up maintenance reports on a laptop or hand-held PC.

They also train office staff to use equipment properly and safely.

Office equipment service technicians usually work in one of four ways:

• for a large organisation, working in-house, supporting several departments
• as self-employed, usually working on contracts with smaller companies
• as a technician for an equipment manufacturer or supplier, specialising in one brand
• in a repair centre, sometimes known as a technical support centre.

They often combine their job with technical sales, which involves discussing clients' business requirements and advising on upgrades or replacement systems and equipment.

Hours and Environment

As an office equipment service technician, you will normally work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. You may be on-call to deal with out-of-hours problems.

Most of your work will be indoors in an office environment or repair centre. You will have to travel from job to job if you are working as a field support technician.

Skills and Interests

To work as a service technician, you need:

• good problem solving skills
• excellent technical skills and equipment knowledge
• the ability to work quickly and under pressure
• good interpersonal skills for handling customers and working with colleagues
• good communication skills both verbal and written
• a responsible attitude to work
• the ability to read technical diagrams and manuals
• normal colour vision
• an awareness of electrical health and safety issues.

Entry

You can start working as an office equipment service technician through an electronic/electrical engineering or information technology apprenticeship. Funding for apprenticeships is available for 16-24 year olds and some over-25s. To find out more, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk. For information about apprenticeships in other parts of the UK, see Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

You can also take a course at a further education college, which will give you some of the skills needed in this job. Courses are open to all age groups and include:

• BTEC First Diploma in Operations and Maintenance Engineering (Electronics) Level 2
• BTEC National Award in Communications Electronic Engineering Level 3
• City & Guilds Progression Award in Electrical / Electronics Servicing: Commercial (6958) at levels 2 and 3.

There is a range of qualifications for technicians who carry out IT support within their job. For details, see the job profile for Computer Repair and Service Technician.

If you are going to work as a field support technician, you will need a driving licence.

For general information about careers and qualifications in the electrical, electronics and information technology sectors, see the websites for the Institution of Engineering and Technology and e-skills in Further Information.

Training

Once you are working as an office equipment service technician, you will normally receive in-house training on specific equipment models. You will get training from manufacturers, covering the equipment they sell or lease. You can also take one of several work-based qualifications to develop your skills. These include:

• Electrical and Electronics Servicing NVQ/SVQ at levels 2 and 3
• BTEC National Certificates/Diplomas in Electronic Engineering or Communications Electronic Engineering.

You can continue to study part-time for higher-level qualifications like an Edexcel (BTEC) HNC/HND in Electronic/Electrical Engineering.

Opportunities

Your main opportunities will be with equipment manufacturers, and the small and medium-sized companies who carry out sub-contract work on their behalf. Jobs are available throughout the UK.

Once you have built up your experience, you can progress to service team leader jobs and local or regional field support management roles. You can specialise in particular areas of work, for example IT services, contract management, helpdesk support, training and equipment sales.

You also have the option to become self-employed and work freelance.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Office equipment service technicians' wages start from £12,000 to £15,000 a year.
Experienced service technicians can earn between £17,000 and £24,000.
Regional managers can earn between £25,000 and £30,000 a year.

The salary package often includes a company vehicle.

Further information

1 Castle Lane
London
SW1E 6DR Savoy Place
London
WC2R 0BL
Tel: 020 7240 1871