Telecoms engineer

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills needed for the job and might help you to find a trainee position with a telecoms company.

Relevant courses include:

• communications cabling
• electrical and electronic engineering
• 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

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You could apply to do an apprenticeship with a telecoms company. These include:

• Hardware, Network and Infrastructure Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
• Telecoms Field Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Wireless Communications Rigger Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Network Cable Installer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Radio Network Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Cellular Network Field Engineer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

Foundation apprenticeship

You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.

If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:

• have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
• are in care or have been in care
• are in prison or have been in prison

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You can apply directly to installation companies if you have experience or qualifications in:

• telecommunications
• electronic or electrical engineering
• electrical equipment servicing

You can do introductory courses in satellite dish and aerial installation through the Confederation of Aerial Industries. These could be useful if you want to get started in the industry.

Career Tips

Employers will expect you to be well organised, good at solving problems and able to manage your time.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You could join the Institute of Telecommunications Professionals (ITP) for industry news, networking and professional development opportunities.

As a telecoms engineer, you could:

• create layout plans for data networks, cabling and equipment
• set up or upgrade mobile and fixed communication networks
• repair overhead lines and equipment on mobile masts and antennae
• lay and test underground cabling, fibre optics and connections
• install and adjust settings for satellite dish systems on domestic and commercial buildings
• find and fix faults on site, or remotely using diagnostic software
• speak with customers in person, on the phone and online

You could work at a client's home or at a client's business.

Your working environment may be at height, cramped, outdoors in all weathers and you'll travel often.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.