How to become a Telecommunications Technician
Telecommunications technicians install, maintain and repair telecommunications and broadcasting networks and equipment.
Personal requirements for a Telecommunications Technician
- Enjoy technical and engineering activities
- Able to perform routine repetitive tasks as well as non-routine or highly analytical tasks
- Able to show initiative
- Good with hands
- Normal colour vision
- Able to work at heights and in confined spaces
- Good customer service skills
- Able to work independently and as part of a team
- Prepared to undertake continuous training and development
Education & Training for a Telecommunications Technician
To become a telecommunications technician you usually have to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.
Duties & Tasks of a Telecommunications Technician
Telecommunications technicians:
- Install fixed and wireless network equipment and set up new telecommunications services
- Ensure that equipment and circuit installations are of good quality
- Place or terminate cables, including those made of optical fibre
- Undertake proof tests such as line testing, circuit commissioning and power tests
- Assemble, erect, position and label items of equipment
- Provide cost estimates to customers for installation of equipment
- Install and maintain telecommunication and other data systems at customers’ premises
- Install, test and maintain all types of telecommunications, switching and transmission equipment
- Set up computer hardware and install and customise software applications used in telecommunications
- Carry out modifications to items of equipment
- Analyse system faults with a high degree of diagnostic skill (to circuit board level)
- Maintain and adhere to operational procedures and complete appropriate documentation
- Take responsibility for tools, and plant and test equipment
- Develop and maintain good relations with internal and external customers
- Operate call tracing facilities when necessary.
Tasks
- Installs telecommunications equipment and appliances such as telephones, switchboards and data transmission equipment.
- Adjusts, replaces and repairs faulty items, and tests equipment using electronic instruments.
- Locates faults in telecommunications equipment using instruments such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, ammeters and transmission measuring equipment.
- Attaches wires and cables to appliances.
Working conditions for a Telecommunications Technician
Telecommunications technicians work indoors and outdoors, and have considerable contact with customers in business or in private homes.With the growth of digital telephony, particularly with business clients, the role of telecommunications technicians is increasingly becoming involved in the installation, customisation and troubleshooting of the computer software systems that drive modern telephone and data systems.
Employment Opportunities for a Telecommunications Technician
Telecommunications technicians are employed by a variety of small, medium and large enterprises. These include large telecommunications carriers such as Telstra, Optus and Vodafone, network and exchange equipment suppliers, customer premises equipment suppliers and installation/maintenance service providers. Some are employed by the Australian Defence Force as specialised Army Telecommunications Technicians to help install and maintain high-tech military communications equipment.Demand for telecommunications technicians depends on the need for installation and maintenance of network equipment.
Specializations
Radio Frequency Network Infrastructure Installer
A radio frequency network infrastructure installer install and maintain radio frequency equipment for high speed broadband network infrastructure.
Telecommunications Technician
Telecommunications technicians install, maintain and repair telecommunications and broadcasting networks and equipment.
Average age
41 years
Future Growth
Decline
Gender Share
4% female
Average full-time
43 hours
Weekly Pay
$1,656
Skill level rating
Medium skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
87% Full-Time
Employment Size
12,700 workers
Employment by state
ACT: 1.5%
NSW: 30.1%
NT: 1.6%
QLD: 21.6%
SA: 7.2%
TAS: 2.3%
VIC: 23.2%
WA: 12.5%
Age brackets
15-19: 1.7%
20-24: 8.4%
25-34: 26.7%
35-44: 22.1%
45-54: 23.2%
55-59: 9.4%
60-64: 6.5%
65 and Over: 1.9%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 14.5%
Bachelor degree: 10%
Certificate III/IV: 49.7%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 3.2%
Year 10 and below: 6.7%
Year 11: 3.3%
Year 12: 12.7%
