Office Machine Repair Technician Training Programs and Schools

Office Machine Repairers - Career Information

Office Machine Repairers

Office machine repairers perform tasks such as repairing, maintaining and installing electronic and manually operated office machines. They often work on fax machines and photocopiers at the customer's workplace.

If the machines are small, the field service technician might bring them back to the repair shop to work on them. The newer models of office equipment typically contain computerized components and thus, usually need less maintenance. Office machine repairers use various tools for diagnostic tests and for repair work.

To perform diagnoses, technicians may use multimeters to measure current, voltage, resistance and other types of electrical properties. They may also use oscilloscopes to monitor equipment signals and use signal generators which provide test signals.

Some of the sample job titles are field service technician, business machine mechanic, office machine mechanic, field support technician, electronics technician, copying machine mechanic, photocopying equipment mechanic, office machinery and equipment installer, copier technician, and service technician.

Responsibilities

• Travel to customer's workplace to service office machines
• Talk with customers to figure out the details of equipment problems
• Install and configure new office equipment
• Provide customers with advice regarding equipment operation and maintenance
• Reassemble office machines after making repairs or replacing parts
• Maintain records of equipment maintenance
• Test the functioning of parts and mechanisms

Job Characteristics

Office machine repairers work at the customer's workplace and in repair shops. They typically work regular business hours. Most of them work approximately 40 hours per week. Office machine repairers sometimes have to lift equipment and work in various postures. Due to dealing with customers, field technicians should have good communications skills. They should also be detailed oriented.

Employment Outlook

Due to some types of office equipment being inexpensive, the equipment is often replaced and not repaired, which lowers the demand for office equipment repairers. However digital copiers and some of the new office machines are complicated and expensive which will cause managers at some companies to hire the services of a repair technician.

The vast majority of job opportunities for office machine repairers will result from the need to replace repair technicians that have retired or changed careers. In addition, the median hourly wage for computer, automated teller and office machine repairers was $18.18 an hour in 2008.

Experienced office equipment repairers may move up to management positions and oversee repairers. Due to their knowledge about office equipment they also have opportunities to acquire sales or customer service jobs.

Education, Certification, and Licensing

Office machine repairers need to be knowledgeable about electronics. Typically employers seek applicants that have formal training. Office machine repairers typically have earned an associate degree in electronics. They also need to have knowledge about mechanical equipment since many of the parts that malfunction in office machines are mechanical.

Employers usually expect new employees to have a solid foundation in equipment repair. However, employers may provide training on specific equipment. In large companies, entry-level repairers are usually provided on-the-job training that may last a few months and includes helping an experienced repairer. Experienced office equipment technicians may be sent by their employer to attend training sessions in order to keep up-to-date with the latest changes in technology and service procedures.

Certification is beneficial for those seeking employment and looking to advance in their careers. Certification demonstrates a level of competency. Certification is offered by various organizations. The Electronics Technicians Associations offers a large number of certification programs in numerous electronic specialties for different levels of competence. The International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians also provides certification for a wide range of subjects.

Resources

• Electronics Technicians Association International
• International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians

Major Employers

The top job providers are wholesalers of professional and commercial equipment and supplies; electronics and appliance stores; office supply stores; and electronic and precision equipment repair shops.

Schools for Office Machine Repairers are listed in the column to the left.

The Top Cities tab shows employment statistics for Office Machine Repairers by major metro area.

The Top Industries tab shows which industries have the most jobs for Office Machine Repairers, along with salary data by industry.

The Find Schools tab lets you search for schools by field of study, degree level, and location.