Telecommunications Line and Cable Workers
(NOC 7245)
in All Trades and TransportationTelecommunications line and cable workers install, repair, and maintain telecommunication lines and cables. They are employed by cable television companies and by telephone and other telecommunications services.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Telecommunications Line and Cable Workers most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions.
The median employment income for 64% of Telecommunications Line and Cable Workers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $49,041. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$15.75
Minimum$27.00
Median$33.65
MaximumAnnual Pay
$14,294
Minimum$43,118
Median$70,513
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$20.35
Median$34.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Telecommunications line and cable workers install, repair, and maintain telecommunication lines and cables. They are employed by cable television companies and by telephone and other telecommunications services.
Job duties
Telecommunications line and cable workers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Install, remove, maintain and repair aerial and underground telephone and other telecommunication transmission and distribution lines, cables and associated hardware.
- Install (but do not repair or maintain) cable television lines and cables.
- Splice and repair various types and sizes of telephone and other telecommunication cables including single line, coaxial and fibre optic.
- Inspect and test telecommunication transmission lines and cables for transmission characteristics and to locate faults.
- Analyze and record test results.
- Climb and work aloft on poles, ladders or other support structures or work in confined spaces such as trenches, tunnels and crawl spaces.
- Communicate with other workers to coordinate the preparation and completion of work assignments.
- Assist in the erection and removal of telecommunication poles, towers and associated support structures.
- May operate excavation machinery and other heavy equipment.
Sample job titles
- cable installer - telecommunications
- cable repair technician - telecommunications
- communications technician
- lineworker-technician - telecommunications
- repair lineman/woman - telecommunications
- telecommunication cable installer
- telecommunication cable repairer
- telecommunication line technician
Skills
This work requires accuracy, caution, and attention to detail. You must be able to work to precise specifications and levels of safety when installing and repairing cables. Physical stamina, good hand-eye coordination, and an electrical aptitude are needed. You should also have a strong background in mathematics and the sciences.
Job requirements
- Completion of high school is required.
- Completion of a four-year telecommunications line and cable apprenticeship program or a combination of over three years work experience in the trade and some industry-related or other specialized courses or completion of a two-year college program in electronics is usually required.
Other considerations
Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Northern
Cape Breton
Southern
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Information, Culture & Recreation
Construction
Wholesale Trade
Other Professional Services
Metal Fabrication and Machinery (excl. electrical)
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
35-44
45-54
15-24
55-64
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
Top levels of education
High school
N/ACollege certificate or diploma
$93,659 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$106,853 median annual incomeLess than high school
N/ABachelor's degree
N/ACompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trades certificate
$40,890 median annual incomeHigh school
$28,089 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$39,023 median annual incomeLess than high school
$25,753 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$36,972 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Lineworker
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to install, operate, maintain and repair local, long-distance, and rural electric power cables and communication lines; erect and construct pole and tower lines; and install underground lines and cables. These programs include courses in cable installation and repair, fibre-optic technology, trenching, mobile equipment and crane operation, high-voltage installations, maintenance and inspection, safety, remote communications, and applicable codes and standards.
Institutions providing this program
PO Box 550, 1 Main Street
Springhill, NS B0M 1X0
(902) 597-3737
Department of Labour and Advanced Education 2021 Brunswick Street, PO Box 578
Halifax, NS B3J 2S9
(800) 494-5651
Employment requirements & contacts
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