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Telecoms engineer

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

Telecoms engineers install and repair broadband and phone networks, satellite dishes and digital TV and fibre optic systems.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£40,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 42

You could work

on call at short notice

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly
  • training with a professional body

College

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

Relevant courses include:

  • communications cabling
  • electrical and electronic engineering
  • 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

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 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 apply to do an apprenticeship with a telecoms company. These include:

  • Telecoms Field Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Wireless Communications Rigger 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

Direct Application

You can apply directly to installation companies if you have experience or qualifications in:

  • telecommunications
  • electronic or electrical engineering
  • electrical equipment servicing

Other Routes

You can do introductory courses in satellite dish and aerial installation through the Confederation of Aerial Industries. These could be useful if you want to get started in the industry.

More Information

Career tips

Employers will expect you to be well organised, good at solving problems and able to manage your time.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Institute of Telecommunications Professionals (ITP) for industry news, networking and professional development opportunities.

What it takes

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 work well with others
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • maths knowledge
  • 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 confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • have a full driving licence

What you’ll do

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:

  • create layout plans for data networks, cabling and equipment
  • set up or upgrade mobile and fixed communication networks
  • repair overhead lines and equipment on mobile masts and antennae
  • lay and test underground cabling, fibre optics and connections
  • install and adjust settings for satellite dish systems on domestic and commercial buildings
  • find and fix faults on site, or remotely using diagnostic software
  • speak with customers in person, on the phone and 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.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With training and experience, you could move into:

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

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

Current opportunities

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

Network Cable Installer Apprentice

  • Wage: £16,685.50 a year Annually
  • Location: FALCONGATE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, OLD GORSEY LANE, WALLASEY
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Level 2 Award in Communications Cabling

  • Provider: PROFESSIONAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT SERVICES LIMITED
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: Not known

NVQ Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering

  • Provider: NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE ENGINEERING GROUP TRAINING ASSOCIATION LIMITED
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: Not known
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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