Before getting hired by (what had been the old) Altec Service Corp., I was a projectionist for several years, and discovered early on that I wanted to be an engineer. My last booth job I entered knowing absolutely NOTHING about electronics or electricity. I bought several good books on the subject and, after studying those books for a little over two years in the booth, taking a Dolby seminar (and enrolling in a 6-week vocational class, to get past some humps); I had learned enough electronics to get hired by Altec on a part-time basis. A year after that, and with more intensive study, I was hired full-time.

You should also be willing to relocate, as the job is so specialized that you cannot always count on getting an assignment in your area. The companies won't hire you if you cannot go to where the work is (i.e.: if you insist on staying where you are, you may have to wait 20 years for an opening!). But once you move, you're set, unless the job ends or you want a change. Since I don't mind moving for the company, I've lived in Houston, Oklahoma City, Peoria, and now West Palm Beach, FL. I've made a great living and seen some wonderful sights! Wouldn't trade it for anything!

Good luck.