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Telecoms engineer

Alternative titles for this job include Telecoms technician, telecommunications field engineer

Telecoms engineers install broadband, mobile and landline phone networks and work on satellite, digital TV and fibre optic systems.

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£40,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 a week

You could work

on call at short notice

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through a college course or an apprenticeship.

College

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills needed for the job and might help you find a trainee position with a telecoms company.

Relevant courses include:

  • Level 2 Award in Communications Cabling
  • Level 3 Diploma in Professional Competence for IT and Telecoms Professionals
  • T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing
  • T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control

Entry requirements

You may need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could do a:

  • Telecoms Field Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Network Cable Installer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Radio Network Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Cellular Network Field Engineer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about careers in engineering from Tomorrow's Engineers.

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • analytical thinking skills
  • customer service skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You might need a full driving licence to travel between jobs.

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a telecoms engineer, you could:

  • set up mobile, fixed communications and data networks
  • repair lines and equipment on mobile masts and antennae
  • lay and test underground and underfloor cabling
  • find and fix faults, including using software remotely
  • design, build and test components and equipment
  • communicate with customers in person, on the phone or online

Working environment

You could work at a client's home or at a client's business.

Your working environment may be at height, cramped, outdoors in all weathers and you'll travel often.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With training and experience, you could move into:

  • supervisory roles
  • network design
  • electronic engineering
  • smart home systems installation

You could also set up your own installation and repair business.

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Network Cable Installer Apprentice

  • Wage: £16,640 a year Annually
  • Location: UNIT 8 HAMILTON COURT, MANSFIELD, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

Apprentice Wireless Technology Technician

  • Wage: £15,704 a year Annually
  • Location: POOL BUSINESS PARK, REDRUTH, CORNWALL
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a telecoms engineer?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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