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Data and Telecommunications Cable Worker

Also known as Data and Telecommunications Cabler, Telecommunications Cable Worker and Telecommunications Cable Jointer.

Data and telecommunications cable workers are involved in the installation and maintenance of data and telecommunications cables, which may be located in underground pipes, trenches or overhead systems.

They usually work with either copper or fibre optic cables and specialise in a particular procedure or area of expertise.

Data and telecommunications cable workers may work indoors and outdoors, sometimes in cramped conditions or at heights. They often work as part of a team.

Some telecommunications cable workers are involved in installing equipment on customer premises and need to maintain good relations with property owners, tenants and authorities.

TASKS

Data and telecommunications cable workers may perform the following tasks:

install, join or splice metallic and fibre-optic cables
perform relevant cable tests to ensure joints and fibre splices comply with site and manufacturer specifications and relevant legislation
install underground and aerial lead-in cables
install above-ground equipment enclosures
fix cable faults
perform fault clearance
tag cables for future identification

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy practical work
normal eyesight and colour vision
able to cope with the physical demands of the job
good hand-eye coordination
safety-conscious
able to work at heights and in confined spaces
good communication skills

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Broadband Network Installer - installs and maintains network termination and connection devices and points of entry (known as service drops) on customer premises.

Broadband Fibre Splicer - joins, terminates, splices, tests and repairs fibre-optic cables and installs optical splitters.

Telecommunications Linesworker - installs, maintains and hauls fibre-optic cables in container pipes or conduits placed in specially created underground pits or trenches.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a data and telecommunications cable worker you usually have to complete a traineeship in Telecommunications or Telecommunications Cabling.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

You can also become a data and telecommunications cable worker by completing a VOC qualification in telecommunications. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.

Additional Information

In order to undertake data and telecommunications cabling work, you need to be registered with an Australian Communications and Media Authority accredited registrar. See www.acma.gov.au for more details. Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Integrated Telecommunications Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Data and telecommunications cable workers are employed by a variety of small, medium and large enterprises. These include large telecommunications carriers and their contractors, network and exchange equipment suppliers, customer premises equipment suppliers and installation or maintenance service providers.

The data and telecommunications industry is subject to continuing and rapid technological change. One of the major Australian Government initiatives for the telecommunications industry is the National Broadband Network (NBN). This is the largest infrastructure project ever to be undertaken in this country, and aims to deliver high-speed broadband to all Australians. With the rollout due to be completed in 2020, data and telecommunications cable workers are increasingly involved in this area. For more information, visit www.nbnco.com.au/workforce.