If you’re interested in technology and innovation, a career in telecommunications could be for you. With experienced telecoms engineers earning up to £37,000, with the right character, skills and expertise, this line of work could be as lucrative as it is fulfilling. Read on to find out if you’ve got what it takes to start working with ground-breaking telecommunications technologies.
What does a telecommunications technician do?
The work of a telecommunications – or telecoms – technician usually involves designing, installing, and replacing software and hardware for telecommunications. On day-to-day basis, this looks like working with switches, routers, and cables.
With the UK government planning to deploy fibre broadband through drinking water mains in parts of South Yorkshire, it’s clear that the future holds exciting opportunities for telecoms technicians with advanced knowledge of cutting-edge systems.
How do you start a career in telecoms?
- Learning through experience
One of the most foolproof ways to master tried and tested methods is to watch, learn and share knowledge from experienced technicians. Once you’re familiar with the processes involved, you’ll gain an understanding around how to use specialist equipment.
For example, you’ll quickly learn that a network tester facilitates checking a supply quickly and accurately; find more information here. Installing network cables might seem daunting at first, but once you’ve seen the process performed by someone else, you’ll feel more confident to try it.
- Earning relevant qualifications
If you’d like to gain authentic, approved certification, the Communications Cabling and Networking qualifications offered by City & Guilds could be a fantastic starting point. While it might also be possible to find other certificates offered by your local college, it’s more sensible to choose a course relating directly to a telecommunications niche.
Daily tasks in telecoms
Even though the future of cable internet is changing, technicians need to know primarily how to differentiate between, configure and connect both copper and fibre-optic cables for in-house installation. Copper wires carry electrical pulses along metal strands, while fibre optic cables transfer light along flexible glass threads.
There’s also a creative aspect to being a telecoms technician: it’s not unusual to design or redesign components and equipment for specific data networks before building and testing them. You’ll either work at private client addresses or business premises, and it’s usually expected that you’ll be on call – meaning you need to drive to different jobs as and when you’re requested.
If you have an inquisitive, mathematical mind, fluency with computers, and dexterous hands, this job could suit you perfectly. Get in touch with your local college or a private course provider to find out more about learning how to shape your career as a telecommunications technician.
