Telecoms engineer
Telecoms technician, telecommunications engineer
Telecoms engineers work on satellite, digital TV and fibre optic systems, and install broadband, mobile and landline phone networks.
Salary range: £16,000 to £30,000
How to become a telecoms engineer
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
College
You could get a college qualification in a subject like:
- Level 2 Certificate in Communications Cabling
- Level 3 Diploma in ICT Systems and Principles
- Level 3 Diploma in Telecommunication Systems
Entry requirements
You may need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
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Apprenticeship
You could start by doing a communications technician or cable installer advanced apprenticeship, or higher apprenticeship for telecoms professionals.
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- 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.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You’ll need:
- broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- customer service skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- maths knowledge
- knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
- analytical thinking skills
- the ability to work well with others
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and requirements
You may need a full driving licence to travel from job to job.
What you’ll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day tasks may include:
- setting up communications and data networks
- installing aerials or satellites
- laying and testing underground and underfloor cabling
- finding and fixing faults
- designing, building and testing components and equipment
Working environment
You could work at a client’s home or at a client’s business.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers, at height, you’ll travel often and cramped.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
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.