Twizel Area School
Telecommunications Technician Kaihangarau Torotoro Waea
Telecommunications technicians install, maintain and repair electronic communications equipment in telecommunications networks and internet supply systems.
Telecommunications technicians may do some or all of the following:
- examine telecommunications equipment and systems to find and repair faults
- update and maintain existing equipment
- install equipment, and connect it to telecommunications networks
- test repaired, updated, or newly installed telecommunications equipment
- assist with selecting sites for equipment.
Physical Requirements
Telecommunications technicians need to:
- have normal colour vision to distinguish between different circuits and cables
- have steady hands
- be comfortable working in confined spaces or at heights.
Useful Experience
Useful experience for telecommunications technicians includes:
- engineering
- work with electronics
- computing
- telecommunications work.
Personal Qualities
Telecommunications technicians need to be:
- practical, quick and efficient
- accurate, with an eye for detail
- responsible, alert and safety-conscious
- good at problem solving
- good communicators
- able to work well in a team and on their own.
Skills
Telecommunications technicians need to have knowledge of:
- electronics and electrical circuits
- computer software and hardware
- new technology, including communication technologies
- how to use tools and testing equipment
- first aid and health and safety regulations.
Conditions
Telecommunications technicians:
- usually work regular business hours, but may also work evenings and weekends, and be on call
- work indoors in workshops, offices and telephone exchanges, and outdoors at various sites
- may work at heights, in confined spaces, and in dirty or dusty conditions
- may travel locally.
Subject Recommendations
There are no specific secondary education requirements to become a telecommunications technician. However, maths, physics and construction and mechanical technologies are useful.
Telecommunications Technicians can earn around $48K-$75K per year.
Chances of getting a job as a Telecommunications Technician are good due to a shortage of people interested in this type of work.
Pay for telecommunications technicians varies depending on experience.
- Telecommunications technicians with up to three years' experience usually earn between minimum wage and $52,000 a year.
- Technicians with three to five years' experience usually earn $52,000 to $75,000.
- Senior technicians with more than five years' experience usually earn $75,000 to $95,000.
Sources: Connexis and Downer, 2020.
Telecommunications technicians may progress to become telecommunications engineers.
Telecommunications technicians can specialise in areas such as radio, cable or internet services.
Years Of Training
1-3 years of training usually required.There are no specific requirements to become a telecommunications technician. However, many employers prefer to hire telecommunications technicians who have or are working towards a qualification such as a New Zealand Certificate in Telecommunications (Level 2, 3 or 4).
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