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Apprenticeship

Communication Technician

Communication technicians install, repair and maintain telecommunication systems.

Also Known As

Cable Splicer, Switcher

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 7246: Telecommunications Installation and Repair Workers

2006 NOC-S

  • H216: Telecommunications Installation and Repair Workers

2011 NOC

  • 7246: Telecommunications installation and repair workers

2016 NOC

  • 7246: Telecommunications installation and repair workers

2021 NOC

  • 72205: Telecommunications equipment installation and cable television service technicians

2023 OaSIS

  • 72205.05: Television cable service technicians
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Communication technicians install, maintain, test and repair wiring or cable networks, as well as consumer or business communication equipment. They also work with:

  • Specialized equipment such as intercoms and computer networks (wired and wireless)
  • Toll and switching equipment
  • Other equipment related to the transmission and processing of voice, video signals and other data over fibre optic, microwave, radio, satellite and other telecommunications media

They may work in residential, commercial or industrial settings, or specialize in installing/servicing certain types of telecommunication system components. They may also maintain and repair various types of radio frequency (RF), transmission and switching equipment. They are primarily involved in:

  • Installing, terminating and testing copper and fibre optic conductors and cables
  • Laying out and installing raceways and supporting framework
  • Installing, commissioning, maintaining and troubleshooting communications equipment
  • Applying codes and standards to guide the installation of communication equipment
  • Interpreting communications systems drawings to guide the installation of communication equipment
  • Using testing equipment to locate faults and isolate defective components.
  • Installing residential cable systems

Duties and responsibilities can vary considerably from one position to another. For example, communication technicians are primarily involved in installing residential cable:

  • Check work orders and talk to cable subscribers to determine where to hook up, disconnect or relocate cable outlets
  • String cable from a utility pole, underground box or satellite dish if necessary
  • Install jacks, terminal boxes, splitters, converters, decoders, satellite and television equipment, and other cable hardware and systems
  • Install cable modems and software
  • Test installed systems and equipment on the subscriber’s premises
  • Promote additional services offered by their company
  • Keep records of work performed at each site
  • Operate and maintain, tools and equipment

Those primarily involved in servicing residential cable systems focus on trouble shooting problems when they arise.

To perform their duties, communication technicians must be:

  • Able to use hand tools and testing equipment, such as optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR), Ethernet and radio frequency sweep testing equipment
  • Familiar with different program configurations and components
  • Able to troubleshoot faults and isolate defective components
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg

Working conditions vary considerably in this occupation. Communication technicians may work indoors or outdoors, and often travel to several work sites in a day. They generally work a standard 35- to 40-hour week, but may have to work overtime, particularly when weather conditions or other events disrupt cable or telephone service. Shift work may be required.

Stringing cable from utility poles may involve climbing and balancing on an aerial platform or pole in all types of weather. Communication technicians must observe safety precautions to reduce the risk of injury from electrical shocks, falls or hazards associated with cable splicing.

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Telecommunications Installation and Repair Workers

2006 NOC: 7246

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

Interest combinations are unique to each of the occupations in this National Occupational Classification (NOC) group. Please consult the 2003 NOC Career Handbook for further information.

INNOVATIVE

Interest combinations are unique to each of the occupations in this National Occupational Classification (NOC) group. Please consult the 2003 NOC Career Handbook for further information.

METHODICAL

Interest combinations are unique to each of the occupations in this National Occupational Classification (NOC) group. Please consult the 2003 NOC Career Handbook for further information.

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. 

It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.

Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.

A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.

A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.

Learn About Interests

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Communication technicians need:

  • Analytical and mechanical abilities
  • Math skills
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • The ability to work and solve problems independently
  • Good colour vision, manual dexterity and hand-eye co-ordination
  • The ability to climb poles and ladders while carrying tools and equipment

Those who work in customers’ homes and businesses must be courteous, tactful and adaptable.

Communication technicians should enjoy operating tools and test equipment, diagnosing technical problems and doing tasks that require precision. They should be comfortable working with people.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Telecommunications installation and repair workers

2016 NOC: 7246

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 168 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 01, 2023 and Oct 04, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Complete and maintain test and service reports
Tasks: Diagnose and locate equipment faults, and adjust, replace or repair telecommunications equipment
Tasks: Inspect and test operation of telecommunications equipment
Tasks: Repair or replace defective telephone equipment
Tasks: Install, arrange, remove and maintain telephone equipment, wiring and associated hardware
Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years
Tasks: Determine nature, cause and location of trouble
Tasks: Analyze test results and adjust, change or repair switching system, network, associated equipment and software
Tasks: Operate computerized testing systems to conduct service tests on customer lines and equipment
Tasks: Test installed telephone systems to locate transmission faults
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Minimum Education Apprenticeship

To work in Alberta, a communication technician may be ONE of the following:

  • A registered apprentice
  • An Alberta-certified journeyperson
  • Someone who holds a recognized related trade certificate
  • Someone who works for an employer who is satisfied that the worker has the skills and knowledge expected of certified journeyperson
  • Self-employed

To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train them. They must also meet ONE of the following:

  • Have an Alberta high school transcript with at least English Language Arts 20-2, Math 20-3, and Science 10, or equivalent
  • Have a pass mark in all 5 Canadian General Educational Development (GED) tests
  • Pass an entrance exam

The term of apprenticeship is 4 years (four 12-month periods) that include a minimum of 1,500 hours of on-the-job training each year plus 6 weeks of classroom instruction in each of the first three years and 8 weeks of classroom instruction in the fourth year.

High school students can earn credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the period of apprenticeship.

Classroom instruction is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. For more information, see the Apprenticeship Training Catalogue.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Apprenticeship Trades
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Certification Provincially Regulated

Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.

The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.

Communication Technician

Communication technicians install, repair and maintain telecommunication systems. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile on Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [pdf], you do not have to be certified if you are self-employed or work for an employer who is satisfied that you have the skills and knowledge expected of a journeyperson certified by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. To learn the trade, you must become a registered apprentice.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Communication Technician.

Additional Information

Communication technicians must be certified in the products they support. They need to stay up to date with changes in technology.

Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Communication technicians are employed by communication and cable companies that install, maintain, sell, rent or lease communications equipment, or install communications systems in the private and public sectors. The communications industry as a whole is experiencing ongoing expansion.

Communication technicians are employed by organizations in many sectors, including:

  • Oil and gas companies
  • Health care firms
  • Forestry firms
  • Educational institutions
  • Utilities agencies

Experienced communication technicians may advance to supervisory positions such as foreman, superintendent or quality assurance. They may retrain and transfer to other departments such as sales, engineering or systems design, or become an estimator.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Telecommunications installation and repair workers
2016 NOC: 7246

76.0% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Telecommunications equipment installation and cable television service technicians
2021 NOC: 72205
Medium
Demand
3,000
Employed

Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Telecommunications installation and repair workers
2016 NOC: 7246
2.6%
Annual Growth
(Above Average)
83
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Journeyperson communication technicians wage rates vary but generally range from $30 to $48 an hour plus benefits (2019 estimates). Apprentices earn at least 40% of the journeyperson wage in their place of employment in the first year, 50% in the second, 60% in the third and 75%

In additional to hourly wages, residential cable installers earn commissions for the extra services they sell.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Telecommunications installation and repair workers

2016 NOC: 7246
Average Wage
$34.18
Per Hour
Average Salary
$67,851.00
Per Year
Average Hours
38.5
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 7246 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $17.00 $55.05 $26.23 $22.00
Overall $20.00 $55.05 $34.18 $30.00
Top $25.00 $55.05 $38.59 $40.00

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
35%
35%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
35%
35%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
2%
2%
Vacancy Rate
N/A
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Trades, Industrial and Related Training
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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