JobsAndCareersWithSarahWillingham2016 - 187

FOCUS :

TELECOMS

What type of roles are there?
Telecommunications is broken down
into sectors including:
* Consulting, process re-engineering
and change management.
* Systems integration and internet.
* Software development - including
games and apps.
* Information management, including
security, systems maintenance
and service delivery.
* Installation and testing.
* IT project and supplier management.
* Call centre and administration roles.

wearable devices that track and analyse
your heart rate and pulse.

Future trends

W

here there's
innovation, you'll
also usually find
telecommunications
(or telecoms). This
sector makes it
possible for people to communicate,
whether that's by mobile devices or
fixed-line telephones. No mean feat
as these days mobiles and tablets
- and the broadband that keeps them
connected - are deeply embedded
in daily life with more and more
tasks entrusted to them.
Telecoms also has a part to play in the
innovations we're either already hooked
on, or soon won't be able to live without
- like video streaming and mobile
payments. In addition, it's thanks to
telecoms that traffic lights keep cars
moving and the emergency services
can reach destinations quickly.
And let's not forget the 'Internet of
Things', either - devices that can connect
to the internet to make our lives easier,
healthier and more productive. Think
smart meters that allow you to turn on
the heating at home remotely, or

It's thought 862,700 people work in IT
and telecoms products and services in the
UK. And some 673,900 more are
pursuing careers as IT and telecoms
professionals for non-IT and telecoms
organisations outside the industries.
From companies making hardware, to
those producing software and providing
services, it's a fast growing sector.
In fact, as the Department for Culture,
Media and Sport said in 2015: 'Our
telecoms market is one of the most open

A head for heights
is useful as you
may be installing
antennae on
tall buildings
and competitive in the world. Effective
deregulation has set the industry
free to create new services and set
international standards.'

Spotlight on: Telecoms engineer
As a telecoms engineer, you'll install and
maintain broadband, mobile phone
and landline phone networks. Or you
may work on satellite, digital TV and
fibre optic systems.
Daily duties range from laying and
testing underground and underfloor
cabling to repairing faults on
telecommunication networks. You might

also work with aerial rigging, and install
mobile and static antennae on hard-toreach locations like tall buildings, towers
and masts (for this reason a head for
heights is vital!) This technician role
could see you working in homes and
offices as well as outdoors on-site.
You'll need to be well organised with
good customer care skills, enjoy problem
solving and working both as part of a
team or on your own. Working conditions
might be often difficult - especially if you
need to get to an inaccessible place.
There'll be plenty of new technology to
keep up with, and reading technical
drawings, plans and circuit diagrams
will be all part of the role.

Getting into the role
It might help to have a background or
qualifications in electronics, electrical
servicing and computer networking, but
you can also get in via an apprenticeship
(see www.apprenticeships.org.uk). Once
in, you can work towards industry
qualifications such as a diploma or a
degree in cabling, engineering or
telecommunications.

How much can I earn?
As a telecoms engineer, you'll start on
around £18,000 a year. Promotion to a
role with extra planning, design or
managerial duties could see that rise to
£30,000 or more.

See the Total Telecom jobs page at
www.totaltele.com/jobs

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