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Telecoms engineer
Telecoms technician, telecommunications field engineer
Telecoms engineers install broadband, mobile and landline phone networks and work on satellite, digital TV and fibre optic systems.
Average salary (a year)
£24000
Starter
£40000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
39.0 to 41.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
on call
at short notice
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through a college course or an apprenticeship.
College
You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills needed for the job and might help you find a trainee position with a telecoms company.
Relevant courses include
Level 2 Award in Communications Cabling, Level 3 Diploma in Professional Competence for IT and Telecoms Professionals, T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing, T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
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
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship
You could do a
Telecoms Field Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, Network Cable Installer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, Radio Network Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, Cellular Network Field Engineer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
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
  • 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
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
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
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
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Other Requirements
You might need a full driving licence to travel between jobs.
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
As a telecoms engineer, you could
set up mobile, 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 using software remotely, design, build and test components and equipment, communicate with customers in person, on the phone or online
Working environment
You could work at a client's home or at a client's business.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Your working environment may be at height, cramped, outdoors in all weathers and you'll travel often.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
With training and experience, you could move into
supervisory roles, network design, electronic engineering
You could also set up your own installation and repair business.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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