Telecommunications Installer/Technicians

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Telecommunications Installer/Technicians install circuits and equipment for telephones, computer networks, video distribution systems, security and access control systems, and other low voltage systems. Major duties for Telecommunications Installer/Technicians include:

  • Planning and initiating projects
  • Installing underground voice or data circuit feeders to entrance facilities
  • Providing or connecting to the grounding electrode system
  • Installing pathways and spaces for installation of low voltage wiring
  • Installing and terminating wires and cables
  • Installing Local Area Network (LAN) cabling systems
  • Installing security and access control systems
  • Installing communications and sound distribution systems
  • Testing and repairing video, voice and data systems

In performing these duties, Telecommunications Installer/Technicians must use many different kinds of tools, ranging from simple ones and two-hand tools (such as screwdrivers and cable cutters) to power-assisted tools like electric drills and screw guns. They occasionally operate heavy equipment such as trenchers.

Over the course of the three-year Telecommunications Installer/Technicians apprenticeship program, apprentices must become competent in many technical areas. A recent job analysis identified 124 specific areas of knowledge that are important for Telecommunications Installer/Technicians’ job performance. A few of the most important ones are knowledge of:

  • Color codes (proper termination sequence)
  • Structured wiring
  • Cable testing requirements and standards
  • Local Area Networks (LAN)
  • The basics of telephony
  • Blueprints, including symbols used
  • Electronic Industries Association (EIA)/Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) Standards
  • The principles of grounding
  • First aid
  • Hazardous materials
  • Proper wire/cable to use in different circumstances

Some of the most important skills to be learned are:

  • Terminating twisted pair cable
  • Terminating fiber optic cable
  • Troubleshooting through segmentation and isolation
  • Diagnosing the source of equipment malfunctions
  • Splicing copper, coaxial and fiber optic cable
  • CPR

Contact Northern Nevada Electrical Training Center to learn more about becoming an Telecommunications Installer/Technicians.