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Telecommunications Technician

Also known as Electrotechnology (Data) Communications Technician.

Telecommunications technicians install, maintain and repair telecommunications and broadcasting networks and equipment.

Telecommunications technicians may specialise in the areas of cabling, Customer Access Network (CAN), or Customer Premises Equipment (CPE).

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.

TASKS

Telecommunications technicians may perform the following tasks:

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

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

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

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Radio Frequency Network Infrastructure Installer - install and maintain radio frequency equipment for high speed broadband network infrastructure.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a telecommunications technician you usually have to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship in Telecommunications, Data and Voice Communications, Telecommunications Radio Communications, Telecommunications Network Engineering or Telecommunications Networks Technology.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

Upon successful completion of training, telecommunications technicians are required to register with an Australian Communications and Media Authority accredited registrar in order to perform cabling. See www.acma.gov.au for more details.

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Electrotechnology or Integrated Telecommunications Training Packages that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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.

Demand for telecommunications technicians depends on the need for installation and maintenance of network equipment.