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Skills, Education and Experience

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Source

Skills

  • Interested in keeping current in technology
  • Able to read and use diagrams/drawing
  • Detail-oriented
  • Physical strength and comfort with heights
  • Preferably a driver’s licence
  • Customer service skills 

Education and Experience

Telecommunications Line and Cable Workers

  • Completion of secondary 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.

Telecommunications Installation and Repair Workers

  • Completion of secondary school is required.
  • Telephone and switch network installers and repairers require completion of 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 require completion of a college electrical and electronics program and several months of on-the-job training or completion of a three- or four-year apprenticeship program.

Qualifications

Trade certification for telecommunication technicians is available, but voluntary, in British Columbia

In BC, professional designations are granted by the Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC).

To become certified as an Applied Science Technologist (AScT) or Certified Technician (CTech), telecommunications technologists and technicians must:

  • Apply for membership with ASTTBC.
  • Have, in addition to academic requirements, a minimum of two years of appropriate level work experience, one of which must be Canadian experience at the level of certification being sought (technician or technologist).
    • work experience must be verified by technical references who have knowledge of the applicant’s technical ability.
  • Pass the Association’s Ethics and Professional Practice Examinations.

More information:

Internationally Trained Telecommunication Professionals

Telecommunication Professionals who meet all the current academic criteria and experience requirements but lack Canadian work experience may apply for a “Provisional Membership” with ASTTBC.

More information: