Spotlights

Tiêu đề tương tự

Broadband Technician, Central Office Technician, Combination Technician, Customer Service Technician (CST), Field Technician, Install and Repair Technician, Installer, Outside Plant Technician, Service Technician, Telecommunications Technician, Cable Installer, Telecommunications Maintenance Technician, Telecommunication Specialist

Mô tả công việc

Telecommunications Equipment Installers, aka telecom techs, work in a very specialized sector! They set up signal-carrying equipment, such as phone lines, routers, switches, and fiber optic cables. They also work with diagnostic and other tools to maintain, update, and fix items following manufacturer specs. Some installers work outside, logging everything they do, including calculating parts and labor costs. Others focus on home installations and repairs, setting up phone, Internet, and cable modems for residential customers. 
 
Still others work at central offices or switching hubs, where incoming data is routed and amplified. At such sites, problems can be monitored and remotely corrected. The last type of Telecommunications Equipment Installer is stationed at headend control centers where they monitor cable network signals, similar to the functions of their peers at central offices. Despite the wide range of options within this career field, there are many similarities in education and training requirements. 

Các khía cạnh bổ ích của sự nghiệp
  • Working within the vital telecommunications industry
  • Ensuring people can stay connected through phone and Internet
  • Facilitating the distribution of news and entertainment resources
Việc làm năm 2019
215,700
Việc làm dự kiến năm 2029
210,100
Tin sốt dẻo bên trong
Trách nhiệm công việc

Lịch làm việc

  • Telecommunications Equipment Installers may work outside or travel to residences to work inside homes or rooftops. They may offer round-the-clock response times, depending on the employer. 
  • Some telecom techs stay indoors, performing duties in central offices or headends, with night, early morning, or holiday shifts possible. 

Nhiệm vụ tiêu biểu

  • Install equipment and components in homes and offices, including buildings that may be under construction
  • Set up, inspect, calibrate, test, and repair or replace routing equipment, wiring, and phone jacks
  • Clean and lube equipment to keep it in good operational order
  • Review blueprints and work instructions; run cables or wiring
  • Refer to technical manuals as needed
  • Work with various hand tools and diagnostic equipment 
  • Climb ladders to access rooftop equipment 
  • Work with customers to explain products and services
  • Travel to various job sites (especially for residential installers)
  • Collaborate with peers to identify and fix issues

Trách nhiệm bổ sung

  • Maintain records of work performed, including installations, maintenance, and repair work, as well as associated costs for parts
  • Train ends users on operation, as needed
  • Inspect and maintain work vehicle
  • Install computer programs
Các kỹ năng cần thiết trong công việc

Kỹ năng mềm

  • Khả năng làm việc độc lập
  • Chú ý đến chi tiết
  • Tư duy phản biện
  • Định hướng dịch vụ khách hàng
  • Good communication skills 
  • Good hand-eye coordination
  • Tầm nhìn màu bình thường
  • Organized and methodical workmanship
  • Phán đoán và ra quyết định đúng đắn
  • Troubleshooting

Kỹ năng kỹ thuật

  • Làm quen chung với máy tính (PC hoặc Apple)
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Macintosh software
  • Repair and installation skills
  • Quality control analysis
  • Fluke ClearSight Analyzer or Fluke Networks TechAdvisor Field Access System
  • Communications server software such as IBM Domino
  • Database user interface and query software 
  • Industrial control software such as SCADA
  • Internet protocol IP multimedia subsystem software 
  • Use of hand tools, such as wrenches, cable splicers, circuit testers, pliers, hex keys, scissors, screwdrivers, multimeters, stripping tools, tape measures, utility knives, wire cutters, and test sets
Các loại hình tổ chức khác nhau
  • Telecommunications companies
  • Electrical contractors    
  • Other technical service providers
  • Cable networks
Kỳ vọng và hy sinh

The life of a Telecommunications Equipment Installer isn’t always as glamorous as it sounds! Techs might have to climb, crouch, or crawl to access hard-to-reach areas. Once they get to those areas, they may have to take safety precautions to avoid injuries, such as electrical shock. At times they’ll need to move things around to gain access. 
 
Because of the proximity to powered equipment and the need to work at heights sometimes, this field is exposed to higher than average risks of physical injury. Indeed, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it has one of the highest rates of injuries out of all occupations.  However, with proper training, precautions, and personal protective gear, workers are able to stay safe. 
 
Another sacrifice is time. Some employers provide 24/7 availability for residential services. Headends and central offices might need employees to work shifts, holidays, or weekends. If you’re looking for a standard 8-5 job, this may not be the best fit! 

Xu hướng hiện tại

The telecommunication industry is changing, with wireless and mobile services replacing older, less efficient technologies. As a result, the demand is shifting and also shrinking, as newer tech requires less time to install. It’s predicted that workers in this sector should beef up their credentials with an associate’s degree or higher, in order to stay competitive as older workers leave and companies hire fewer people to replace them. 
 
For example, many residential cable providers simply mail customers a do-it-yourself kit instead of sending a technician out on the job. The Bureau of Labor Statistics points to a -3% decline in job growth in the coming years, compared to the national 4% average increase for other jobs. The key to staying relevant is to learn about current technology and systems while staying flexible enough to adapt as those change in the future, too! 

Những người trong sự nghiệp này thích làm những điều gì khi họ còn trẻ...

Telecommunications Equipment Installers often enter the field after learning about it from a friend or family member. Many served in the military and received training that they put to use later as civilians. In general, employees in this field enjoy working with their hands and troubleshooting problems. They may have been inquisitive as kids, content to spend time digging into topics related to science and technology. To succeed in telecom, they need patience and the ability to read and understand relatively complicated texts, which are skills often learned at an early age. 

Giáo dục và đào tạo cần thiết
  • Telecommunications Equipment Installers usually have completed some college-level courses in electronics, telecom, or networking
  • Some hold a vocational certificate; others may have an associate’s degree or higher
    • 21% of workers in this field have a post-secondary certificate
  • Most telecom techs are given thorough on-the-job-training (OJT) at their place of employment, which can last for months
  • OJT involves working under the mentorship of a seasoned technician but may also include taking practical, hands-on courses
  • There may be proprietary training related to specific equipment and software
  • Core, Speciality, and Advanced certifications exist, too, such as:
    • Broadband Premises Installer 
    • Certified Satellite Installer
    • BICSI Installer 2, Optical Fiber 
    • Inside Electrical Craft Certification    
  • Expect to receive or to seek out continual refresher training to keep up with changes
Những điều cần tìm trong một chương trình
  • Telecommunications Equipment Installers might not need to attend a university. It can be faster and less expensive to complete courses at a vocational/community college that can teach you all the basic skills needed
  • Decide if you want to pursue a certificate or go for a full associate’s degree
  • If you are planning to take online classes, keep in mind that some coursework may be best learned in-person or via hybrid methods
  • Try to look for courses in the latest technology, and that offer hands-on experiences 
Hoạt động giải trí ở trường trung học và đại học
  • Stock up on electronics and electrical courses
  • Finish your certification and, if possible, an associate’s to help you stand out from the crowd
  • Many Telecommunications Equipment Installers only hold a high school diploma, so look for apprenticeships or part-time work if you are taking classes
  • Practice the art of reading technical books and instructions, to ensure you understand the actions you must take after reading 
  • Develop your soft skills, including customer service and clear speaking 
  • Work closely with your teachers and pick their brains for advice and mentorship
  • Get as much practical hands-on experience as you can, and keep track of your academic and work achievements for your resume 
     
Lộ trình điển hình
Telecoms Equipment Installer Gladeo Roadmap
Làm thế nào để đạt được công việc đầu tiên của bạn
  • Finish your academics with a focus on the most current (and developing) technologies
  • Let your applicable instructors or school know that you’re about to start job searching
  • Sign up for alerts on job portals such as Indeed and Glassdoor, but also comb through Craigslist or other local sources
  • If there is a specific company you want to work for, bookmark their website and visit the careers page often
  • Many workers in this field received free, comprehensive technical training in the military, which has options for short terms of paid enlistment service plus tuition benefits
  • Think about who you want to act as your references and ask them in advance; make sure they can speak or write about you in a positive, persuasive way
  • Only apply for jobs you meet all the listed requirements for
  • Review telecom resume templates to get an idea of how to fill yours out
  • Polish those interview skills by practicing with sample telecom interview questions
  • Stay current on trends and terminology by reading industry news (see our list of Websites in the Recommended Tools/Resources section below
Làm thế nào để leo lên thang
  • Know where you want to go with your career, and map out a plan of action
  • Show up on-time and ready to go every day
  • Be proactive and look for solutions before complaining about problems
  • Do your homework and know what to do in situations before they arise
  • Master your primary duties then ask for more advanced responsibilities 
  • Become a paragon of safety and always practice good procedures to mitigate injuries and downtime
  • Add value to your workplace and become a go-to expert
  • Be a team player but also hone your leadership skills and demonstrate decisiveness
  • Take great care of your customers, whoever they might be. Positive reviews go a long way; so do negative ones
  • Stay ahead of the curve by studying industry developments
  • Participate in professional organizations and consider writing articles for publication
  • Knock out additional certifications that can help you get ahead
  • Train others to perform their duties correctly and safely
Tài nguyên được đề xuất

Các trang web

  • Communications Workers of America 
  • Independent Telecommunications Pioneer Association 
  • National Coalition for Telecommunications Education and Learning
  • NTCA - The Rural Broadband Association 
  • Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers
  • Telecommunications Industry Association
  • USTelecom 

Sách vở

Kế hoạch B

With the telecom industry evolving, some might be inclined to look for a more predictable career path with greater job growth potential. BLS offers a few alternative careers to consider:

  • Broadcast, Sound, and Video Technicians
  • Người lắp đặt và sửa chữa điện và điện tử
  • Line Installers and Repairers
  • O*Net Online features a few extra options to check out: 
  • Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers
  • Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles
  • Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers
  • Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers

Nguồn cấp tin tức

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