Telecoms engineer
Set up and look after broadband, mobile phone and landline telephone networks.
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£462
Entry level
£769
Experienced
Monthly
£2,000
Entry level
£3,333
Experienced
Yearly
£24,000
Entry level
£40,000
Experienced
5,400
people are currently employed
Low growth
No change in number of jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would set up and look after broadband, mobile phone and landline telephone networks. You would also work on satellite, digital TV and fibre optic systems.
You would work with systems such as:
landline and mobile phone networks
copper wire and fibre-optic cabling
VoIP communication systems
analogue and digital satellite systems
wireless internet
The size of each job would vary. You might set up a large corporate network one day and a home satellite system the next.
You would:
lay, connect and test underground and underfloor cabling
test and fix faults in public and private switching exchanges
work with aerial rigging and related equipment
set up antennae on buildings or masts
design, build and test telecommunications components and equipment
This job can be dangerous, and you may sometimes have to work at heights. You would have to follow health and safety guidelines carefully at all times.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- analysing
- taking responsibility
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- problem solving
- resourceful
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Mathematics
Physics
Practical Craft Skills
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Applications of Mathematics
There are different routes into this role:
a Modern Apprenticeship leading to a relevant Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Telecommunications (SVQ Level 3)
a National Certificate (SCQF Level 7), a National Qualification (SCQF Level 7), a Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF Level 8) in areas like Electronic Engineering or Computing Science
Employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF Levels 4 to 6, in particular for entry to a Modern Apprenticeship.
You can enter some National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF 2 to 6) with no formal qualifications but most courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF Level 4/5).
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF Level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
Qualifications that show understanding and experience of information technology and engineering such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCQF Level 5).
You may need to pass colour vision tests.
You may need a driving licence for some jobs.
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