Telecommunications Equipment Installers & Repairers
Also called: Central Office Technician, Install / Repair Technician, Service Technician, Installer
In the Coast Guard: Information Systems Technician
What they do:
Install, set-up, rearrange, or remove switching, distribution, routing, and dialing equipment used in central offices or headends. Service or repair telephone, cable television, Internet, and other communications equipment on customers' property. May install communications equipment or communications wiring in buildings.
On the job, you would:
- Note differences in wire and cable colors so that work can be performed correctly.
- Test circuits and components of malfunctioning telecommunications equipment to isolate sources of malfunctions, using test meters, circuit diagrams, polarity probes, and other hand tools.
- Test repaired, newly installed, or updated equipment to ensure that it functions properly and conforms to specifications, using test equipment and observation.
Knowledge
Communications
- telecommunications
Engineering and Technology
- computers and electronics
- mechanical
Business
- customer service
- management
Safety and Government
- public safety and security
Skills
Basic Skills
- listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
- thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
- noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
- thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
- figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
Abilities
Hand and Finger Use
- hold or move items with your hands
- put together small parts with your fingers
Verbal
- listen and understand what people say
- communicate by speaking
Ideas and Logic
- notice when problems happen
- make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
Hearing and Speech
- recognize spoken words
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include
practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cooperation
- Self Control
- Analytical Thinking
Technology
Examples of the technology used in this career will be available soon.
Education
some college or
associate's degree
usually needed
associate's degree
usually needed
Take advantage of the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program to prepare for this career.
These apprenticeships may have sponsors in your area:
- Automatic-Equipment Technician
- Central-Office Installer
- Central-Office Repairer
- Electronic Systems Technician
- Equipment Installer (Telephone and Telegraph)
- Maintenance Mechanic, Telephone
- Private-Branch-Exchange Installer
- Private-Branch-Exchange Repairer
- Sound Technician
- Station Installer-and-Repairer
- Technician, Submarine Cable Equipment
- Telecommunications Technician
Job Outlook
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
$53,960
per year, on average
Explore More
- Broadcast Technicians
- Radio Mechanics
- Signal & Track Switch Repairers
- Sound Engineering Technicians
- Telecommunications Line Installers & Repairers
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