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Computer Network Technicians  (NOC 2281)
Kitchener--Waterloo--Barrie Region
Description |  Titles |  Duties |   Related Occupations

Computer network technicians establish, operate, maintain, and co-ordinate the use of local and wide area networks (LANs and WANs), mainframe networks, hardware, software and related computer equipment. They set up and maintain Internet and Intranet Web sites and Web-server hardware and software, and monitor and optimize network connectivity and performance. They are employed in information technology units throughout the private and public sectors. Supervisors of computer network technicians are included in this group.

Internet Web site technician, LAN (local area network) administrator, LAN (local area network) technician, Web technician, computer network technician, computer network technician supervisor, data centre operator, network administrator, network support technician, supervisor, computer network technician, system administrator.

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Computer network technicians perform some or all of the following duties:
  • Maintain, troubleshoot and administer the use of local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), mainframe networks, computer workstations, connections to the Internet and peripheral equipment
  • Evaluate and install computer hardware, networking software, operating system software and software applications
  • Operate master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks and to co-ordinate access and use of computer networks
  • Provide problem-solving services to network users
  • Install, maintain, troubleshoot and upgrade Web-server hardware and software
  • Implement network traffic and security monitoring software, and optimize server performance
  • Perform routine network start up and close down and maintain control records
  • Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations
  • Conduct tests and perform security and quality controls
  • Control and monitor e-mail use, Web navigation, and installed softwares
  • Perform shell scripting or other basic scripting tasks
  • May supervise other workers in this group.
Included Cities in Region | Service Canada Offices

Barrie, Cambridge, Guelph, Kitchener, Orillia, Waterloo, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Collingwood, Innisfil, Midland, New Hamburg, New Tecumseth, Orangeville, Penetanguishene, Port McNicoll, Shelburne, Alliston, Ayr, Beeton, Buena Vista Park, Cardwell, Cookstown, Cumberland Beach, Elmira, Elmvale, Purple Hill, Rockcut, Rockwood, Starrview Acres, St. Jacobs, Tottenham

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View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.

Outlook & Prospects for Computer Network Technicians in Kitchener--Waterloo--Barrie Region

The future forecast and current conditions for an occupation can vary based on location or due to changes in the economy, technology, or demand for a product or service.

Local Employment Potential Information

Table on the employment potential for Computer Network Technicians in Kitchener--Waterloo--Barrie Region as well as in the rest of the Ontario.
Location Employment Potential Release Date
Kitchener--Waterloo--Barrie Region <Not assigned> 2012-01-12

Compared to other occupations, this is not a significant occupation in this region.

In Ontario, the outlook for computer network technicians is expected to be average for the period 2012-2013. This is a fairly large occupation in the province with a workforce of approximately 20,000 at the time of the 2006 census. The widespread use of computer technology is a key factor driving demand for this occupation. However, many companies are now shifting some of their technology functions to other countries, where it is cheaper to operate. This 'off-shoring' will moderate employment growth, particularly in tasks at the lower skill levels of this occupation. Over the next few years, the increasing use of 'cloud computing,' which offers a cluster of on-line information technology services, is also expected to reduce the need for in-house technicians to maintain computer systems. Available opportunities will mostly be for computer network technicians who are well-rounded and adaptable to the constantly evolving computer technology, including skills to support wireless devices. Many employers require individuals with several years of work experience and strong communication and client-service skills. Post-secondary education and computer networking-based certification are assets in securing employment. This occupation has a younger age profile compared to most Ontario occupations. As a result, retirements will not generate a significant number of job openings.

[ Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]

Local Labour Market News

Week of May 06 – May 10, 2013

Week of Apr 29 – May 03, 2013

Week of Apr 22 – Apr 26, 2013

Week of Apr 15 – Apr 19, 2013

[ Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]
Please consult the Ontario and Canada tabs for more useful information related to outlook.