Telecommunications Installation and Repair Workers
(NOC 7246)
in All Trades and TransportationTelecommunications installation and repair workers install, test, maintain and repair telephones, telephone switching equipment and telecommunications equipment including fibre optics, microwave, radio and satellite. They work for telephone and other telecommunications transmission services companies.
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 a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia so some job opportunities may occur through turnover. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline slightly over the next few years, which may affect the number of new opportunities available. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Telecommunications Installation and Repair Workers most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 75% of Telecommunications Installation and Repair Workers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $66,847. 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
$20.00
Minimum$31.00
Median$32.97
MaximumAnnual Pay
$17,213
Minimum$63,749
Median$84,214
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.50
Minimum$27.25
Median$35.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Telecommunications installation and repair workers install, test, maintain and repair telephones, telephone switching equipment and telecommunications equipment including fibre optics, microwave, radio and satellite. They work for telephone and other telecommunications transmission services companies.
Job duties
Telephone installers and repairers:
- Install, arrange, remove and maintain telephone equipment, wiring and related hardware.
- Test installed telephone systems to find transmission faults.
- Repair or replace broken telephones, wire and related equipment.
Switch network installers and repairers:
- Install electromechanical, analog and digital trunking systems, circuits and equipment in telecommunications central offices and switching centres.
- Inspect and test trunking systems, circuits and equipment.
- Examine test results and adjust, change or repair switching system, network, related equipment and software.
Telecommunications service testers:
- Run computerized testing systems to carry out service tests on customer lines and equipment.
- Determine the nature, cause and location of service trouble.
- Dispatch correct repair workers.
- Complete test reports and maintain test and service records.
- May help repair personnel to test lines, circuits and systems, isolate and clear cable faults and verify records.
Telecommunications equipment technicians:
- Install, remove and maintain telecommunications equipment and related systems like telex and fax machines, teletypewriters, mobile radios, cellular telephones, pagers and other telecommunications equipment.
- Configure operating systems and install software for access to the Internet.
- Inspect and test operation of telecommunications equipment.
- Identify and find equipment faults, and change, replace or repair telecommunications equipment.
Sample job titles
- apprentice communication technician - switching
- cellular telephone technician
- exchange tester - telecommunications
- mobile radio installer
- private branch exchange (PBX) installer
- switch network installer and repairer
- telecommunications equipment technician
- telephone communicationt technician
- telephone installer
- telephone line and station installer
Skills
This work requires a good mechanical and electrical aptitude. You should have a strong background in mathematics and the sciences. Accuracy and a keen eye for detail are important. Good eyesight, colour vision, and hand-eye coordination are necessary.
Job requirements
- High school is required.
- Telephone and switch network installers and repairers need to finish an apprenticeship program ranging from three to four years or a combination of over three years work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry related courses.
- Telecommunications equipment technicians usually need a college electrical and electronics program and several months of on-the-job training or completion of a three- or four-year apprenticeship training program.
- Voluntary trade certification for communication technicians is available in Nova Scotia.
- Experience as an installer and repairer (telephone and switch network) is usually required for service testers.
Other considerations
Movement to supervisory positions is possible with experience. Changes in telecommunications and multi-media technology and the ways in which they are delivered to customers may affect the type of work performed and job prospects in these jobs. Changes in technology, like high-speed Internet and digital phone services, require that workers in this group continuously upgrade their skills.
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
Annapolis Valley
North Shore
Southern
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Information and cultural industries
Construction
Public administration
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
Wholesale trade
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
35-44
25-34
55-64
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
College certificate or diploma
$68,299 median annual incomeHigh school
$42,796 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$64,963 median annual incomeLess than high school
$41,336 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$56,038 median annual incomeCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trades certificate
$46,494 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,260 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$42,050 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,319 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$30,527 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
Electrical, electronic and communications engineering technology/technician
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of electrical, electronics and communication engineers. These programs include courses in electrical circuitry, prototype development and testing; systems analysis and testing, systems maintenance, instrument calibration, and report preparation.
Institutions providing this program
PO Box 550, 1 Main Street
Springhill, NS B0M 1X0
(902) 597-3737
236 Belcher Street
Kentville, NS B4N 0A6
(902) 678-7341
PO Box 820, 39 Acadia Avenue
Stellarton, NS B0K 1S0
(902) 752-2002
PO Box 1042, 1240 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6J7
(902) 563-2450
80 Mawiomi Place
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0A5
(902) 491-1100
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Certificate: Installation of communications cabling requires a permit unless exempt per regulations. CCS certificate required to obtain a permit and to perform work that is exempt from permit. Communications cabling permits are issued from the local electrical inspection department.
Trade Inactive: This trade is currently inactive in Nova Scotia. NOTE: The trade is currently regulated by LAE-Technical Safety as a Communications Cabling Specialist - see below
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.