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Telecommunications Technician

Kaihangarau Torotoro Waea

Telecommunications technicians install, maintain and repair electronic communications equipment in telecommunications networks and internet supply systems.

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Secondary education

There are no specific secondary education requirements to become a telecommunications technician. However, maths, physics and construction and mechanical technologies are useful.

Study fields

Study levels

  • Certificate

Useful experience

Useful experience for telecommunications technicians includes:

  • engineering
  • work with electronics
  • computing
  • telecommunications work.

What you will do

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.

Skills and knowledge

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.
Pay

Telecommunications technicians with up to five years' experience usually earn

$48K-$75K

per year

Senior telecommunications technicians with more than five years' experience usually earn

$75K-$95K

per year

Job opportunities
Good
Chances of getting a job as a telecommunications technician are good due to a shortage of workers.
Length of training
1-3
years of training usually required.

Industry

Telecommunications

Telecommunications technicians install, maintain and repair electronic communications equipment in telecommunications networks and internet supply systems.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

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).

Chances of getting a job

Shortage of telecommunications technicians in New Zealand

Demand for telecommunications technicians is strong due to:

  • government investment to replace outdated emergency communications infrastructure
  • government investment in high-speed broadband
  • increased use of internet and mobile technology.

As a result, telecommunications technician, cabler (data and telecommunications) and telecommunications cable jointer all appear on Immigration New Zealand’s construction and infrastructure skill shortage list. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled telecommunications technicians from overseas to work in New Zealand.

According to the Census, 3,096 telecommunications technicians, 84 telecommunications technical officers or technologists, and 210 cablers (data and telecommunications) worked in New Zealand in 2018. 

Most technicians employed by phone or internet companies

Most telecommunications technicians are employed by telephone or internet providers, installers and servicing companies.

Some telecommunications technicians work for independent contractors or are self-employed.

Find out more about training

Connexis
0800 486 626 - askus@connexis.org.nz - www.connexis.org.nz

Progression and specialisations

Telecommunications technicians may progress to become telecommunications engineers.

Telecommunications technicians can specialise in areas such as radio, cable or internet services.

Working 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.

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 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.

Related Wintec courses

Industry

Telecommunications

Telecommunications technicians install, maintain and repair electronic communications equipment in telecommunications networks and internet supply systems.

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