Education requirements state telecommunications technicians must have at least an associate's degree in applied science or telecommunications. Technicians must have a bachelor's degree in electricity and electronic engineering for advancement. Many employers will provide on-the-job training and the possibly the opportunity of continuing your education while training. The National Coalition for Telecommunications Education and Learning (NACTEL) was established to provide employers with training services to keep their workers up to date on the latest technologies and methods. Since technologies change frequently, those who wish to advance in their telecommunications careers should be aware of the latest telecommunications technologies and news. Postsecondary education is becoming increasingly more appealing to employers, and applicants who have the most training will be more desirable.
Constant upgrades and being on call is part of the telecommunications technician's life. Technically speaking, many copper wires are being replaced with fiber optics to create faster, high speed transmissions. Installing fiber optic cables is rather expensive, so the installation has decreased slightly over the past few years. Why is this important? Because this will provide customers high-speed internet access and on-demand videos.
Line installers differ from telecommunications technicians because line installers install the poles wires. Telecommunications technicians maintain wires after they are installed. Line installers use heavy machinery to dig holes and install poles. It is important not to confuse telecommunications technicians and line installers because their duties are different. Line installers set the ground work for the telecommunications technicians. Also, telecommunications technicians are not cable or satellite installers traveling to customers homes installing their services.
Because telecommunications is extremely important to companies and to individuals, the telecommunications technician must diagnose and fix problems when they occur. We rely on the telecommunications industry greatly so any disruption in telecommunications systems can cause major problems for business. In the past this would not have been a major problem because telecommunication wires were used for just voice communication. Now everything is connected to telecommunication wire services: Internet, TV, and radio.
Over the next decade telecommunications technician positions will increase because more residents will want the latest video, phone, and Internet services available. Unfortunately, the need for those who repair the cable lines and other wire services will decline or show no growth because the overall technologies are improving and will require less maintenance services. That does not mean telecommunications technicians will not be needed. Even with more-efficient technologies becoming available in the future, there will still be a need for those who are familiar with them to maintain and repair them when problems occur. The average compensation a telecommunications technician earns is around $26 per hour. Those who continue to enhance their skills and gain as much knowledge as possible in the telecommunications technology field can advance to become supervisors or managers and can then train others.
Hours for a telecommunications technician may vary depending on rural or urban locations. When natural disasters occur such as hurricanes and tornados, telecommunications technicians must repair the damaged lines and provide the area with service again as quickly as possible. Working in terrible conditions is normal for telecommunications technicians. Overall the work for a telecommunications technician will be steady and will provide a great source of income; but remember, you cannot be afraid of heights. New technology services will keep progressing and those who know how to install new technology will be needed. Those who enjoy working with their hands and providing a valuable service that nearly the entire world uses will find being a telecommunications technician satisfying and rewarding. Without telecommunications we would have no Internet, TV, radio, or phone access. It is safe to say telecommunications technicians are important.
Over half of the total jobs that the telecommunications industry produces involve some type of manual labor. If you are in the telecommunications field chances are you will be repairing, installing, and providing general maintenance. Many enter a telecommunications career because the work is stable, consistent, and the opportunity for advancement is high if the amount of time and effort is applied.
