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Electronics Serviceperson - Job outlook

Kaiwhakarato Pānga Tāhiko

What are the chances of getting a job?

Job opportunities for electronics servicepeople are good. The number of electronics servicepeople in New Zealand fell substantially between 1996 and 2006, leading to a shortage.

Number of electronics servicepeople in New Zealand
(1996, 2001, 2006)
Census	Number of electronics servicepeople
1996	1,566
2001	1,260
2006	969

Source: Department of Labour, Jobs and Tertiary Education Indicator Tool.

Recession increases demand for electronics servicepeople

There is a shortage of electronics servicespeople because:

demand for their services is increasing with tight economic conditions, as people are trying to save money by repairing electronic items rather than buying new ones
not enough people have been taking up electronics servicing apprenticeships.

This shortage is likely to get worse, as around half of New Zealand's current electronics service people will retire within the next 10 years.

Focus on sustainability creates more demand for electronics repair services

A growing awareness of environmental issues means repair services are becoming more popular. People are using repair services to get more use out of their existing electronics – or to upgrade goods they have bought second-hand – instead of buying new. This is contributing to demand for electronics servicepeople.

Limited opportunities for apprenticeships in electronics services

Despite a rise in demand for electronics servicepeople, many electronics repair companies are currently unable to take on new apprentices because of the recession. Many of these businesses are small, and can afford to take on an apprentice only when someone leaves or the business expands.

Industry bodies are working with businesses to help ensure that they will be able to take on apprentices when economic conditions become more stable.

What types of employers can I work for?

Electronics servicepeople can work for small electronics repair companies, or larger electronics repair chains.

Where can I do this job?

Electronics servicepeople work throughout New Zealand. However, most work in and around the main centres, where demand is greatest because of population.