Telecoms engineer
Set up and look after broadband, mobile phone and landline telephone networks.
About the job
What it's like
You would set up and look after broadband, mobile phone and landline telephone networks. You would also work on satellite, digital TV and fibre optic systems.
You would work with systems such as:
landline and mobile phone networks
copper wire and fibre-optic cabling
VoIP communication systems
analogue and digital satellite systems
wireless internet
The size of each job would vary. You might set up a large corporate network one day and a home satellite system the next.
You would:
lay, connect and test underground and underfloor cabling
test and fix faults in public and private switching exchanges
work with aerial rigging and related equipment
set up antennae on buildings or masts
design, build and test telecommunications components and equipment
This job can be dangerous, and you may sometimes have to work at heights. You would have to follow health and safety guidelines carefully at all times.Â
Hours
You would normally work from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. You may also have on-call duties to cover out-of-hours and emergencies.
Environment
Your work could be indoors on production lines and in customers' premises, or outdoors on-site. Some tasks involve working at heights.
Travel
You would spend a lot of time visiting homes and businesses. A driving licence may be needed for some jobs.
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Related industries
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Digital technologies
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- site inspection
- surveying
- telecommunications
- electrical wiring
- telecommunications engineering
- wide area networks
- plesiochronous digital hierarchy
- network time protocols
- multiprotocol label switching
- job planning
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- taking responsibility
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- problem solving
- resourceful
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Maths (Mathematics)
Physics
Practical Craft Skills
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Applications of Mathematics
There are different routes into this role:
a Modern Apprenticeship leading to a relevant Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Telecommunications (SVQ Level 3)
a National Certificate (SCQF Level 7), a National Qualification (SCQF Level 7), a Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF Level 8) in areas like Electronic Engineering or Computing Science
Employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF Levels 4 to 6, in particular for entry to a Modern Apprenticeship.
You can enter some National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF 2 to 6) with no formal qualifications but most courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF Level 4/5).
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF Level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
Qualifications that show understanding and experience of information technology and engineering such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCQF Level 5).
You may need to pass colour vision tests.
You may need a driving licence for some jobs.
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