Telecoms engineer
Set up and look after broadband, mobile phone and landline telephone networks.
About the job
What it's like
You'll set up and look after broadband, mobile phone and landline telephone networks. You'll also work on satellite, digital TV and fibre optic systems.
You'll work with systems such as:
landline and mobile phone networks
copper wire and fibre-optic cabling
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) communication systems
analogue and digital satellite systems
wireless internet
The size of each job can vary, from large corporate networks to home satellite systems.
Your tasks might include:
setting up networks for mobile and data networks
laying, connecting and testing underground and underfloor cabling
testing and fixing faults in public and private switching exchanges
working with aerial rigging and related equipment
setting up antennae on buildings or masts
designing, building and testing telecommunications components and equipment
This job involves lots of different environments, including working at heights. You'll have to follow health and safety guidelines carefully at all times.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Institution of Engineering and Technology – Engineering organisation sharing resources and knowledge
Meet Spencer, a telecoms engineer – YouTube video about working for a telecoms company
Emily's journey from apprentice to engineer – YouTube video about becoming a signalling and telecoms engineer
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Select qualification level(s)
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Satellite systems technician
Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Digital technologies
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.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta 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 each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Design and Manufacture
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Engineering Science
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Physics
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Practical Craft Skills
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Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
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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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