Cable installers are telecommunications operators who generally specialize in the installation and repair of main lines or the installation and repair of lines and devices at the customer's. The telecommunications operators who manage the main lines are generally referred to as line installers or lineman, while those who provide services at the destination are referred to as telecommunications technicians.
Duties
Most of a line installer's activities are performed outdoors, and adverse weather conditions can make the work environment uncomfortable. When installing new cables, you may need to use punches or trenches to create openings to bury the cables, or you may need to hang the cables on towers or masts. Storms and aging can damage cables, so employees must locate and fix the problem. In contrast, telecommunications technicians perform most of their functions indoors and install or repair devices at home, in the office or in the customer's building. You need to check internal phone jacks or cables, make changes to the devices to improve reception, or replace outdated or faulty devices. After completing the installation, the technicians test the devices and teach the customer how to use them.
Duties
Most of a line installer's activities are performed outdoors, and adverse weather conditions can make the work environment uncomfortable. When installing new cables, you may need to use punches or trenches to create openings to bury the cables, or you may need to hang the cables on towers or masts. Storms and aging can damage cables, so employees must locate and fix the problem. In contrast, telecommunications technicians perform most of their functions indoors and install or repair devices at home, in the office or in the customer's building. You need to check internal phone jacks or cables, make changes to the devices to improve reception, or replace outdated or faulty devices. After completing the installation, the technicians test the devices and teach the customer how to use them.
Educational requirements
The Bureau of Labor Statistics points out that most employers prefer candidates with a university degree or equivalent, regardless of whether they are applying as a telecommunications technician or installer. In addition, many employers prefer to hire line installers who have completed formal training - which can take up to five years - or who have completed a post-secondary program in electronics or telecommunications. Much of the training, however, takes place in the workplace. BLS says employers of telecommunications technicians prefer candidates who have completed a post-secondary electronics program, e.g. B. have an associate degree from a community college and have computer skills.
Important skills
Both line installers and telecommunication technicians must be able to distinguish between cable colors, have excellent technical skills and solve problem solving problems. Telecommunication engineers are often in contact with customers, so they need good interpersonal skills. Sufficient accounting skills are also required to accurately record the time and parts that will be used for future billing. Many of the tasks telecommunication engineers need are small parts, so manual dexterity is needed. The duties of a line installer are physically more demanding than those of a telecommunications technician. Line installers need endurance and physical endurance because heavy equipment or tools often have to be lifted and have to be active for a long time. You also need to be able to work as part of the team and have good mechanical skills.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics points out that most employers prefer candidates with a university degree or equivalent, regardless of whether they are applying as a telecommunications technician or installer. In addition, many employers prefer to hire line installers who have completed formal training - which can take up to five years - or who have completed a post-secondary program in electronics or telecommunications. Much of the training, however, takes place in the workplace. BLS says employers of telecommunications technicians prefer candidates who have completed a post-secondary electronics program, e.g. B. have an associate degree from a community college and have computer skills.
Important skills
Both line installers and telecommunication technicians must be able to distinguish between cable colors, have excellent technical skills and solve problem solving problems. Telecommunication engineers are often in contact with customers, so they need good interpersonal skills. Sufficient accounting skills are also required to accurately record the time and parts that will be used for future billing. Many of the tasks telecommunication engineers need are small parts, so manual dexterity is needed. The duties of a line installer are physically more demanding than those of a telecommunications technician. Line installers need endurance and physical endurance because heavy equipment or tools often have to be lifted and have to be active for a long time. You also need to be able to work as part of the team and have good mechanical skills.
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