TV and Radio Reception Systems Technician

TV and radio reception systems technicians install and maintain aerials or satellite dishes and set-top boxes for digital or satellite broadcasts.

Their main tasks include:

• planning, installing and testing equipment
• advising the householder or business on how to use the equipment.

Technicians use vans to transport their equipment, which may include ladders, scaffolding, personal protection equipment, wiring tools and test equipment.

The job includes installing equipment in homes or places of work, so technicians need to work carefully and cleanly around furniture and fittings. They usually need to explain to the user how their equipment should be operated. In some cases they may look for opportunities to sell related equipment or services for their company.

Salaries range from around £12,000 a year for new entrants up to £35,000 or more for some highly experienced systems installers.

Technicians' hours vary, but often include weekends, evenings and emergency call-outs. They usually travel from site to site and may complete several installations in one day. There can be opportunities for flexible and part-time working. The work often involves working outside at heights in hot or cold weather.

TV and radio reception systems technicians need:

• to be able to work out solutions to installation problems
• a head for heights and good colour vision
• an interest in communications and electronics equipment.

TV and radio reception systems technicians are employed by specialist contracting firms and TV and cable companies. Some technicians are self-employed. There has been an increasing demand for technicians because of the switchover to digital TV.

The main openings are for trainee installers. There are no set entry requirements, but three or four relevant GCSEs (A*-C) including English and ICT, or equivalent qualifications, can be an advantage. A qualification in electronics, computing or telecommunications can be useful, as can previous electronics experience.

Technicians are usually trained by their employer. They may go on courses offered by the Confederation of Aerial Industries Ltd (CAI). They may also work towards NVQ Levels 2 and 3 in electrical and electronics servicing (signal reception). Suitable qualified technicians can become registered digital installers (RDI).

With experience, technicians may progress to supervise a team of installers. Some may specialise in a particular area of the job. Further study can make it possible to move into a related area, such as digital systems integration or telecommunications.

Further details