Hardware Helpdesk: Hardware technician

The hardware maintenance technician is the member of the Helpdesk Department responsible for the assembly, technical support and repair of the company's hardware. This technician must have good knowledge of the operation, structure and assembly of hardware, and be up-to-date with innovations in the sector. Sometimes, he is not only responsible for hardware related support, but also for the works of other helpdesk technicians, such as the installation of operating systems and software or network maintenance. In other cases, especially in small businesses, only one professional assumes all the functions of the Helpdesk Department.

• Assemble and maintain hardware.
  Set up computers and peripherals: set up changes in staff hardware for new additions to the company workforce, etc.
  Define the hardware and peripherals required by each department of the company.
  Maintain equipment and provide it with new features according to user needs: expand memories, install cameras, loudspeakers, expand disk capacity, connect printers etc.
  Define purchases of new hardware.
• Resolve incidents related to the company's hardware.
  Receive requests for services (directly or through the helpdesk operator) related to hardware and peripherals.
  Define priorities for service requests received.
  Repair any hardware with problems (usually in person): repairs printers, replace mice that do not work, change broken keyboards, etc.
  Give advice to avoid future problems.
• Write "user manuals".
  In certain environments, the hardware maintenance technician may even write small handbooks on how to use certain hardware or peripherals correctly.
• Provide technical support related to software (support only or if the figure of the microcomputer technician does not exist in the helpdesk team).
  Install the necessary software in new equipment and provide support for office computer applications.
• Provide support for system and network maintenance if the helpdesk team does not include specialists in these fields.

Regulated training and graduates

• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Informàtica i comunicacions: Sistemes microinformàtics (Nivell 2)
• Professional Training Course (s) in the field of computer and communications- Intermediate level: Microcomputer systems and networks
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Electricity and Electronics - Advanced Level: Electronic maintenance

Complementary training

Other specific skills

Analytical thought: Level 2

Initiative: Level 2

Concern for order and quality: Level 2

Communication: Level 2

Customer orientation: Level 2

Planning and organisation: Level 2

Mechanical handling

People related to the field of mechanical handling are interested in the assembly, maintenance, repair and use of machines, tools and installations. Some good examples of professional activities in the field of mechanical handling are adjusting and configuring machines, reviewing technical equipment to detect incidents in their operation, handling machinery in production processes and driving specialised vehicles.

New technologies

People who show an interest in this field are motivated by the development and advanced use of new technologies in any of their applications (software, hardware, telecommunications) from an innovative perspective and in accordance with the continuous updates of technologies, programmes and equipment that appear on the market. The design, installation, management and maintenance of computer systems and new technologies are activities specific to this field.

Network maintenance technician

Microcomputer technician

Network training and support specialist

Systems maintenance technician

Building Home Automation Installation Technician

• Work hours

  Full-time

• Salary

  Between 17.172 and 22.782 euros gross per year, depending on experience. Median: 19.778 euros annum gross.
  
  Source: Report "Observatory of Jobs and Salaries of the Labour Market. Barcelona Activa", elaborated by ICSA Grupo. April 2015.

• Professional category

  Technician