Telecommunications technicians install, set up, test and repair telecommunications and datacommunications systems. Voice and data technology systems include:

• fixed-line and mobile telephony and fax networks
• copper wire and fibre-optic cabling
• analogue and digital satellite systems
• wireless radio networks, providing internet and email access via PCs laptops, mobile phones and PDAs.

Jobs vary in size and scale from setting complex communications networks within a large commercial organisation to the installation of a home satellite system. Exact duties depend on the role but tasks may include:.

• laying, connecting and testing underground/underfloor cabling
• testing and repairing faults in public and private switching exchanges
• working with aerial rigging and associated equipment
• installing mobile and static antennae on buildings or masts
• designing, building and testing telecommunications components and equipment.

For more information about satellite installation, see the profile for Satellite Systems Technician.

Increasingly, with the convergence of data (IT) and telecommunications systems, technicians are becoming multiskilled in both fields.

Hours and Environment

Most telecommunications technicians work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, but might have to work on-call shifts, including evenings and weekends. There may be opportunities for overtime.

Telecommunications technicians work indoors on production lines and customers' premises, and outdoors on a site. Some installation, maintenance and repair work involves working at heights.

A driving licence is useful.

Skills and Interests

To be a telecommunications technician, you should:

• have a methodical approach to work and pay attention to detail
• have good problem-solving skills
• have an aptitude for technical work
• have good communication skills and be able to explain technical matters in clear terms
• understand technical drawings, cabling plans and circuit diagrams
• be willing to keep up to date with new developments in technology
• have good customer care skills
• be able to work alone or as part of a team
• be physically fit, with normal colour vision
• be aware of health and safety issues.

Entry

A common entry route for young people is to train as a technician apprentice in electronics, telecommunications or information technology. Most apprentices start at 16 to 19, but entry may be possible up to 24 (see Training section for contact details). You will need four GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3), including maths and science or technology, or an appropriate equivalent.

Alternative entry qualifications open to all age groups, include:

• Edexcel (BTEC) National Certificate/Diploma in Telecommunications, which has units covering data communications networks, radio and telecommunications principles, and analogue and digital electronics
• BTEC  National Certificate/Diploma in Communications Electronic Engineering
• City & Guilds Communications Cabling award (3666) at Level 2 for new entrants and existing technicians - includes installation of copper and fibre optics cabling
• City & Guilds Diploma in Communications Systems (3662) at Level 3 - contains options including voice and data communications, radio communications, and installation of systems.

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. Courses leading to these qualifications are widely available at local colleges. For more details, see the profiles for Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technician.

For general information about careers in the telecommunications sector, see the e-skills website. In addition, the Engineering Training Council (Northern Ireland) has careers information and a course database for local colleges. See their websites in Further Information.

Training

You receive on-the-job training. Some of the larger telecommunications companies provide in-house training on their systems. Further training options include:

• NVQ in Communication Technologies at levels 2, 3 and 4 (for details, see e-skills UK in Further Information)
• Edexcel (BTEC) Higher National Certificate/Diploma in Electrical / Electronic Engineering (Communication)
• foundation degrees, HNCs/HNDs and degree courses in telecommunications, data communications and digital communications.

The Communications and Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) has a list of approved private training providers for this sector. See the CTIA website for details.

Some CTIA approved training providers also offer BICSI (Building Industry Consulting Service International) accredited courses, for example, the Commercial Installer programme, which are recognised within the telecoms sector both nationally and internationally. Again, the introductory levels are open to anyone looking to get into the industry. See the CTIA and BICSI websites in Further Information.

For professional development purposes, suitably qualified/experienced telecommunications technicians could consider registering with the Engineering Council to attain EngTech status. For more details, see the EngTech website below.

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

There are about 260,000 technicians employed in the telecommunications industry and demand is increasing for qualified staff. They work for a variety of organisations such as:

• telephone or business network providers
• mobile phone companies
• cable, satellite and digital TV companies.

They also work in companies which fit voice, data and video conferencing systems used in many organisations.

It is also possible to work for the Ministry of Defence, or as a technician in the Navy, Army, Royal Air Force or the police and emergency services. Technicians can also work in rail signalling and power transmission companies.

There are good prospects for skilled and experienced technicians who take on further training and qualifications to develop their career.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

New technicians start at around £12,000 a year.
With qualifications, earnings rise to between £18,500 and £23,000.
Experienced technicians with planning or managerial duties can earn up to £28,000.

Earnings can increase with shift allowances and overtime.

Further information

1 Castle Lane
London
SW1E 6DR Interpoint
20-24 York Street
Belfast
BT15 1AQ
Tel: 028 9032 9878