On a daily basis, businesses and individuals send and receive vast amounts of data through online communications. Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers install and service this equipment. Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers— also called telecom technicians— set up and maintain equipment that carries communications signals, connects to telephone lines, and accesses the Internet. They also demonstrate and explain the use of equipment to customers and keep records of jobs they’ve completed. Job tasks for these technicians vary depending on their specialization: Central office technicians maintain switches, routers, fiber optic cable, and other equipment at switching hubs, called central offices. “Headend” technicians work at distribution centers for cable and television companies. They monitor cable network signals and maintain networking equipment to ensure proper transmission. Station installers and repairers set up telecommunications equipment in homes and businesses, and troubleshoot equipment problems if they come up. Most telecom technicians work full time. At companies that provide services 24/7, shift work is typical, and may include evenings, holidays, and weekends— with some workers on call around the clock. Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers typically need technical training in electronics, telecommunications, or computer technology. Courses are usually offered at community colleges and technical schools. For some positions, industry certification is helpful. Once hired, telecom technicians receive on-the-job training.
What they do:
Install, set up, rearrange, or remove switching, distribution, routing, and dialing equipment used in central offices or headends. Service or repair telephone, cable television, Internet, and other communications equipment on customers' property. May install communications equipment or communications wiring in buildings.
On the job, you would:
Demonstrate equipment to customers and explain its use, responding to any inquiries or complaints.
Test circuits and components of malfunctioning telecommunications equipment to isolate sources of malfunctions, using test meters, circuit diagrams, polarity probes, and other hand tools.
Test repaired, newly installed, or updated equipment to ensure that it functions properly and conforms to specifications, using test equipment and observation.
Business
customer service
Communications
telecommunications
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
mechanical
Arts and Humanities
English language
Basic Skills
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
Hand and Finger Use
keep your arm or hand steady
hold or move items with your hands
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
communicate by speaking
Visual Understanding
see hidden patterns
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Dependability
Integrity
Attention to Detail
Cooperation
Adaptability/Flexibility
Analytical Thinking
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Analytical or scientific software
Fluke ClearSight Analyzer
Fluke Networks TechAdvisor Field Access System
high school diploma/GED or certificate after high school usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
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