Field Technician

A field technician handles on-site servicing, diagnostics and repairs for a company’s electrical products or equipment. This can range from computers, heating and cooling systems, security systems, heavy machinery, and more.

Onsite
Engineering-Technical
Secondary qualifications
Fixing things

What does a field technician do?

As a field technician, you will be responsible for troubleshooting and repairing issues with technical equipment. This can involve working on things such as heavy machinery, in factories or at manufacturing plants.

The role of a field technician involves the following duties:

Troubleshooting, testing, repairing and servicing technical equipment
Providing service and customer support during field visits
Managing on-site installation, repair, maintenance and testing
Diagnosing errors or technical problems and determining proper solutions
Producing detailed service reports
Documenting processes
Operating vehicles and machinery in a safe manner
Following company procedures and protocols
Cooperating with technical teams and sharing information across the organisation
Making appropriate recommendations and briefing on repairs, diagnostics and equipment specifications
Building positive relationships with customers
Working with products that cannot be easily transported because of their size or link to other systems.

How to become a field technician

There are several routes to becoming a field technician. You could do an apprenticeship, a university degree, a college course, or on-the-job training. If you already have relevant skills or experience you may be able to apply directly to an employer.

You should explore these routes to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

University

You could complete a foundation degree in engineering before applying for a job as a trainee field technician.

College

You could take a college course to teach you some of the skills needed for a job as a field technician.

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a construction company is a good way into the industry. You could complete an engineering technician advanced apprenticeship to become a field technician.

For an advanced apprenticeship you’ll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have some basic experience, you could apply directly to a construction company to gain on-site experience as a field technician. You might start out as an assistant to a more experienced field technician and progress as your abilities improve. Many companies offer on-the-job training, or specific courses to help you get qualified.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a field technician. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

Find out more about work experience

Skills

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a field technician include:

Ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
Attention to detail
Good communication skills
Problem-solving skills
Ability to work well with others.

Qualifications

England

To become a field technician, you could complete a:

Level 2 NVQ in Mechanical Engineering
Level 2 NVQ in Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology
Level 3 NVQ in Equipment Maintenance Engineering
Level 3 NVQ in Engineering
Level 3 Advanced Engineering Technician Apprenticeship
Foundation degree in Mechanical Engineering

Scotland

To become a field technician, you could complete a:

SCQF Level 7 Mechanical Engineering
Foundation degree in Mechanical Engineering

Wales

To become a field technician, you could complete a:

Level 4 NVQ in Mechanical Engineering
HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering

How much could you earn as a field technician?

The expected salary for a field technician varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained field technicians can start at £21,000

• Trained with experience field technicians can earn up to £42,000*

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed an industry recognised training route.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources