Satellite systems technicians install, repair and replace telecommunications equipment, communication systems, and fixed and motorised satellite systems in commercial, healthcare, educational and domestic premises.

Work involves designing and installing new systems, upgrading existing setups, and repairing and realigning equipment after storm damage.

Typical duties include:

• carrying out site surveys as a basis for quotes
• planning cabling and distribution networks
• installing and fixing aerials or satellite dishes to mounts
• connecting signal outlet sockets
• checking signal levels
• testing equipment and rectifying faults.

Technicians use a variety of equipment including wiring tools, drills, and signal quality and strength meters. On complex installations they may have to work to detailed plans and drawings. Much of the work will be at heights, working on roofs, ladders or scaffolding.

For more information on telecommunications installation see the Telecommunications Technician profile.

Hours and Environment

Technicians work between 40 and 45 hours a week but with variable shifts, often including weekends and evenings. Technicians may be on-call to cover off-peak hours and emergencies.

Some work such as aerial, dish or pole installation requires daylight hours and includes working at heights in all weathers.

Technicians travel from site to site, so a driving licence is usually essential.

Skills and Interests

To be a satellite technician you need:

• an understanding of analogue and digital technologies
• good practical skills
• good numeracy skills for technical calculations and costing
• an appreciation of how environmental and physical factors affect signal strength
• good communication and customer care skills
• normal colour vision
• good physical fitness
• a willingness to keep track of new developments
• an understanding of safe working practices.

Entry

Entry is mainly as a trainee technician either through an apprenticeship scheme, aimed at 16-24 year olds (see Training section), or as a result of direct employment with an installation company.

Employers would expect you to have a reasonable standard of education. Four or five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3), including English, or equivalent qualifications would be acceptable.

You may be able to gain a trainee post with an installation company if you have experience and/or qualifications in electronic/electrical engineering or servicing, or telecommunications. Courses leading to these qualifications, such as BTEC certificates or diplomas are widely available at local colleges.

The Confederation of Aerial Industries (CAI) also runs short introductory courses aimed at beginners in basic installation of satellite systems. For more information see CAI website in Further Information.

Training

Training is done on the job. There is a range of qualifications avaialble for employees, such as NVQ in Engineering Maintenance and Installation Level 2, with an optional pathway in Communication-Electronics Maintenance.

Technicians may continue to study part-time for an Edexcel (BTEC) Higher National Certificate/Diploma in Electrical / Electronic Engineering (Communication) or NVQ Level 4 Managing Communication Technologies.

The CAI offers a range of training courses for installation technicians including motorised dish installation, digital terrestrial television domestic installations and SMATV and IRS networks. Contact CAI for more information.

For aerial installers, there is a City & Guilds Certificate in Digital Television Aerial Installation at Level 2. Check with City & Guilds for course providers.

Apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Apprenticeships may be different in other areas. For further information see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland

Opportunities

The industry prospects are good with the full switch from terrestrial TV to digital underway between 2008 and 2012.

Satellite systems technicians are employed by specialist contracting firms. These provide installation services for organisations such as telecommunications and cable companies, mobile phone companies, TV companies, broadcasters and larger electrical retailers. There are also opportunities within the armed forces and the Ministry of Defence working on military applications of telecommunications technology.

With further training, opportunities may arise in the planning and design of complex systems.

Some technicians become self-employed after qualifying.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

New entrants can expect between £13,000 and £15,000 a year.
Experienced technicians earn between £16,000 and £20,000.
Technicians with planning or managerial responsibilities may earn up to £25,000.

Further information

Fulton House Business Centre
Fulton Road
Wembley Park
Middlesex
HA9 0TF
Tel: 020 8902 8998 Tel: 020 7294 2800