Telecoms Field Engineer / Technician
Job Info
A Telecoms Field Engineer/Technician in the UK telecom sector is responsible for building, providing and repairing telecom services for commercial or residential customers on the National Telecom Access Network. They work on copper and fibre connections to deliver 4G & 5G services, including telephone, internet, data and TV services to households and businesses.
They work mostly outdoors, handling tasks in diverse locations, including telephone exchanges, heights, underground networks, residential and business properties and roadside installations.
Responsibilities
Contribute to the installation of the UK’s super-fast fibre Telecoms network such as cable installation, recovery of older products, jointing and splicing new cables, installing new access connection points or cabinets and the installation of overhead fibre services.
Identify faults, handle major cable breakdowns and rectify copper or fibre products.
Provide and install infrastructure to upgrade mobile services.
Identify and utilise calibrated digital testing equipment for copper or fibre products.
Implement risk assessments and safe systems of work to ensure personal and team safety.
Communicate effectively with end users, understanding and addressing faults or service issues.
Work on and around live copper and fibre cables, ensuring customer service continuity.
Identify working circuits and understand the implications of service loss to customers.
Install phone lines, various broadband products, TV connections, private circuits and business systems or services.
Skills & Knowledge
Familiarity with the UK telecom network, including various fixed-line types.
Knowledge of telecom cable identification, connection methods and associated services.
Understanding of Service Level Agreements (SLA).
Proficiency in installing telecom cables in different environments, adhering to standards.
Awareness of health, safety and environmental policies and legal obligations.
Knowledge of safety procedures for street and road works.
Ability to conduct risk assessments and implement method statements.
Proficiency in fault-finding techniques and testing procedures within the telecom network.
Understanding of testing, installation principles and completion processes.
Customer service skills and adaptability in communication for diverse needs.
Understanding of escalation protocols and procedures.
Familiarity with task management systems, record-keeping and GDPR compliance.
Ability to conduct risk assessments and adhere to method statements.
Can identify telecom network cable structure and composition and interpret and work from telecom network plans.
Ensures safety in diverse work environments, including overhead and underground.
Ability to select and use appropriate equipment for telecom tasks.
Skilled in fault-finding and problem-solving.
Effective communication skills.
Can work independently or collaboratively to achieve objectives.
Able to deliver professional and customer-centric service.
Prioritises safety for oneself and others.
Self-motivated and teamwork orientated.
Organisational and time management skills.
Career Progression
Junior Field Engineer/Technician - Field Engineer/Technician - Team Leader/Supervisor - Network Engineer - Service Delivery Manager or Operations Manager
Qualification Pathways
If you are looking to transfer into this role from a related role in the industry, leverage your existing experience and skills in the industry to identify transferable skills that align with a Telecoms Field Engineer / Technician. Highlight these transferable skills on your CV and in interviews to demonstrate your suitability for positions within the sector.
If you are new to industry, follow these routes:
Step 1 Options:
Study a college course relevant to the telecoms field; Level 2 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
Explore apprenticeship opportunities in the telecoms field such as Level 2 Telecoms Field Operative, Level 3 Network Cable Installer or Level 4 Cellular Network Field Engineer.
Step 2: Gain work experience and learn from experienced professionals and continue developing your skills on the job.
Step 3: Specialise in specific areas within the telecom sector, such as network infrastructure, wireless technologies, fibre optics or mobile communications.
Step 4: Become part of a professional body such as The Institute of Telecommunications Professionals (ITP)
Step 5: Further your education by pursuing higher qualifications, such as a bachelor's degree or higher-level certifications, in relevant fields such as telecommunications engineering, electrical engineering or computer science.
Step 6: Explore professional development courses, workshops and seminars to stay updated on industry trends and advancements.
Step 7: Obtain industry-recognised certifications to validate your skills and knowledge in specific areas of telecoms if you haven't done so already. This could include; CompTIA Network+ or Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) for example.
Step 8: Seek opportunities for career progression within your organisation or through job transitions.
Step 9: Build professional networks by attending industry events, conferences and workshops.
Step 10: After 10 years of service, you may be eligible to apply for Fellowship of The Institute of Telecommunications Professionals (ITP)
Other Info
Relevant Apprenticeships:
https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/telecoms-field-operative-v1-1
https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/network-cable-installer-v1-1