Telecommunications Technician

Telecommunications technicians install, test and repair networking and communications systems such as fixed telephone and mobile phone systems, computer networks and firewalls, satellite dishes and broadband modems.

The work could involve:

• testing and checking components
• assembling telecommunications equipment or systems
• installing, testing and repairing equipment, telecommunications networks, security systems, power systems and switchgear
• laying and connecting copper or fibre optic cabling
• installing radio equipment and mounting antennas
• designing and planning telecommunications systems.

Technicians usually work Monday to Friday, from 9.00am to 5.00pm. They may need to work shifts, including evenings and weekends or be available on call. They could work indoors on a factory production line, in businesses or homes working from a van, or outdoors on industrial and commercial sites. The job can be physically demanding.

Salaries may range from around £12,000 to £40,000 or more a year.

Telecommunications technicians need to:

• have relevant IT skills, including software, communications protocols and networking
• be able to solve problems logically
• understand technical drawings, cabling plans, schemes and basic circuit diagrams
• work well in a team or on their own
• have good customer service skills
• be prepared to learn new skills
• be physically fit and have normal colour vision
• be interested in maths, electronics and IT.

They work for telephone and business network providers, mobile phone companies, TV companies, rail and offshore oil companies amongst others. Some work for the Ministry of Defence, the police and emergency services, or in the armed forces.

People can either train with an employer on an Apprenticeship, or take a full-time or part-time course and then apply for a trainee technician post. To qualify for the IT and Telecoms Professionals Apprenticeship, applicants usually need four GCSEs (A*-C), including maths, English and science or technology or a relevant BTEC first diploma.

Apprenticeships usually last up to around two years, and involve a mix of on and off-the-job training. NVQs/VRQs in subjects relevant to IT/Telecoms are available at Levels 2, 3 and 4. Most companies provide in-service training.

Promotion could be to senior technician or supervisor, although opportunities in smaller companies can be limited. Experienced technicians can become self-employed or move into other areas of electronics and computing. There are opportunities to work abroad.

Further details