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Telecoms engineer

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

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

Average salary (a year)

£19,000 Starter

to

£37,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 a week

You could work

on call at short notice

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a telecoms engineer

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship

College

You could do a college qualification, for example:

  • Level 2 Award in Communications Cabling
  • Level 3 Diploma in ICT Systems and Principles
  • Level 3 Diploma in Professional Competence for IT and Telecoms Professionals
  • T level for Telecoms Field Operatives, Network Cable Installers or Radio Network Technicians

Courses like these could help you to find a trainee position with a telecoms company.

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 start by doing a telecoms field operative intermediate apprenticeship.

You could also do an advanced apprenticeship for communications technicians, radio network technicians, or cable installers.

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

More Information

More Information

Further information

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

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 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 may need a full driving licence to travel from job to job.

What you’ll do

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

On a typical day you may:

  • set up mobile and 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 remotely using specialist software
  • design, build and test components and equipment
  • update work records
  • communicate with business and domestic 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.

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, network design or electronic engineering.

You could set up your own installation and repair business.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice ICT Telecoms

  • Wage: £144.30 Weekly
  • Location: Durham

Unified Communications Technician Apprentice

  • Wage: £14,196.00 Annually
  • Location: Cheltenham
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

IT Web software and telecoms professionals ( Level 3)

  • Provider: BLACKBURN COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 August 2021
  • Location: BLACKBURN

ICT Support Technician

  • Provider: HULL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 06 September 2021
  • Location: Hull
Find courses near you

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