Telecommunications Technician

Also known as:

Communications Technician
Phone Technician
Telephone Technician

Introduction

Telecommunications technicians install, test and repair the different types of communications technology. They work on cable, satellite and digital television systems, radio networks, computer networks and mobile phone networks.

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Work Activities

Many telecommunications technicians install communication systems at customers' homes and business premises. As well as fixed and mobile phones, these systems could include fax machines, cable, digital or satellite TV and computer networks and firewalls. When installing telecommunications systems, technicians may lay and connect cables and test the equipment to make sure the customer is happy.

Some technicians travel around locally in a van, responding to customer's phone calls to report faults. These technicians are likely to be responsible for a particular geographical area or patch. They begin the day in a workshop or control centre, checking the jobs they have to do that day.

Then they load their van with all the necessary tools and equipment, and travel to the customers' premises to repair the fault. When they are there, they try to cause the customer as little disruption as possible. Sometimes technicians can repair equipment on-site. Otherwise, they bring it back to the workshop for further testing and repair.

At a telephone exchange (or switching centre), technicians investigate faulty lines, maintain and work on equipment and connect new customers to the service.

Technicians may work at heights, installing antennae on buildings and masts or fixing wires to telegraph poles.

Some telecommunications technicians work for equipment manufacturers, helping to design, develop, test and install their products.

Technicians may work in bad weather. Most jobs involve bending, climbing, standing, lifting and carrying. Technicians may need to wear protective clothing such as safety helmets.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You must have strong technical skills and knowledge, with the ability to solve problems logically and methodically. Technicians must have the patience to trace a fault and to try different ways to make repairs.

You will need manual dexterity to control and adjust hand tools and meters, and to connect wires and small components.

Technicians need computer skills; you must be willing to learn and develop new knowledge, to keep up-to-date with advances in areas like fixed and mobile phone systems, cable, satellite and digital television and satellite technology.

You need to be able to read technical drawings and cabling plans. Good number skills will help you to use meters and make calculations.

Technicians need to be physically fit to cope with lifting, bending and carrying. They must also be able to work at heights or underground.

You must be able to work quickly and reliably without supervision. As some jobs involve teamwork you must also be able to work well with others.

You will need good communication skills to explain faults to customers.

Your colour vision may be tested for working with colour-coded wiring and parts.

Many telecommunications technicians need a full clean driving licence.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries vary depending on the company, role and level of responsibility.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Telecommunications technicians earn in the range of £18,500 - £23,500 a year, rising to £28,000 - £30,000. Higher earners can make around £33,500 a year.

Most telecommunications technicians work 37.5-40 hours, Monday to Friday. Early starts, late finishes, and some weekend work may be required. You may have to work shifts.

Many telecommunications technicians work for phone and business network providers, mobile phone companies and cable, digital and satellite TV companies. Employers include in the UK include British Telecom, Orange, Vodaphone, Virgin Media and Mercury Communications.

Increases in the number of independent operators has led to increased job opportunities.

Some technicians work for equipment manufacturers, others work independently as self-employed contract workers for firms such as BT and Mercury.

Some set up retail businesses supplying telephone equipment to domestic and commercial customers.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

The telecommunications industry is growing very rapidly; there is a skills shortage and many employers have turned to those with relevant skills and abilities, rather than waiting for school leavers to fill the gap.

In particular, people who have skills and abilities in similar posts in the armed forces have been welcomed. Experience, and craft or technical qualifications, in electronic engineering is an advantage.

Modern Apprenticeships may be available in some areas.

• 8% of people in occupations such as telecommunications technician have flexible hours.
• 2% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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