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Telecommunications Technologist: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Are you keen on helping people stay connected? Do you have good science, math, and leadership skills? Can you deliver good customer service? Then you may want to connect to a career as a telecommunications technologist.
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Occupations in Alberta

Telecommunications Technologist

Telecommunications technologists research, design, introduce, study, manage, and integrate wired and wireless voice and data networking and communications devices and systems.

  • Avg. Salary $74,062.00
  • Avg. Wage $35.80
  • Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary
  • Outlook below avg
  • Employed 2,800
  • In Demand Lower
Also Known As

Engineering Technologist, Telecommunications Engineering Technologist

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: Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists (2241.1) 
  • 2006 NOC-S: Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians (C141) 
  • 2011 NOC: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians (2241) 
  • 2016 NOC: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians (2241) 
Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years

46%
46%
Average Wage
Starting
Overall
Top
Average Wage
Starting $28.70
Overall $35.80
Top $42.72
  • Certification Provincially Regulated
  • Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg
Interest Codes
The Telecommunications Technologist is part of the following larger National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists
OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working to set up and operate specialized and standard equipment to test the performance of components, assemblies and systems

INNOVATIVE

Interest in analyzing information to carry out applied research in the fields of electrical and electronic engineering and physics under the direction of scientists and engineers; and in diagnosing and analyzing the performance of components, assemblies and systems

METHODICAL

Interest in supervising the building and testing of prototypes according to general instructions and established standards; and in conducting and supervising the installation, commissioning and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems other than aircraft electronics or instruments

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 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 More

Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2018

Telecommunications technologists work with devices and systems. These systems involve the transmission and reception of information and include:

  • the coming together of voice, digital data, and video (broadcast and cable)
  • fibre optics and optical networking
  • wireless communications (such as radio, television, satellite, microwave, cellular)
  • voice-over internet protocol or VOIP (a method of moving voice conversation over the internet)
  • computers and associated devices
  • local and wide area networks (LANs and WANs)
  • broadband technologies
  • traditional telephone systems (switching, transmission, and multiplexing technologies)
  • power supplies (for use with IT and telecommunications products).

Telecommunications technologists may:

  • manage and maintain IT networks
  • design, install, and maintain fibre-optic communication networks
  • manufacture telecommunications devices and systems
  • do technical sales and represent telecommunications systems products (to learn more, see the Technical Sales Representative occupational profile).

Duties vary. In general, telecommunications technologists:

  • research, design, study, introduce, manage, and integrate telecommunications systems and equipment
  • plan, draw, and study analog and digital electronic circuits related to telecommunications systems
  • assist in the production and quality control of telecommunications systems and products
  • roll out software upgrades and hardware expansions for telecommunications and information processing networks
  • prepare and present business and technical reports and plans.
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2018

Telecommunications technologists may work in offices, workshops, or production departments. Some work in equipment areas that may be in sheltered or unsheltered settings. Some may have to travel (when commissioning or maintaining equipment).

They may have to lift equipment weighing up to 20 kilograms.

Technologists’ hours of work vary. They may have to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. They may have to work overtime to meet deadlines or deal with emergencies.

  • Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg
Skills & Abilities
Updated Mar 31, 2018

Telecommunications technologists need to possess:

  • aptitude for math and science
  • analytical and problem-solving skills
  • leadership ability
  • patience and persistence
  • the ability to manage time well
  • speaking and writing skills
  • fine-motor skills and good hand-eye co-ordination
  • the ability to work on their own and as part of a team
  • the ability to work under deadline pressure
  • customer-service skills
  • a commitment to lifelong learning.

They should enjoy:

  • working with tools, equipment, instruments, and machinery at precise tasks
  • studying problems and finding creative solutions
  • taking a step-by-step approach to building and testing systems
  • supervising others.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
NOC code: 2241

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 14 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 19, 2020 and Apr 08, 2021.

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.
Assist in inspecting, testing and adjusting electronic components
Install, maintain and service equipment
Assist in design, development and testing
Calibrate electronic equipment and instruments
Conduct or supervise the installation, commissioning, and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems
Design, develop and test power equipment and systems
Carry out applied research in fields of electrical and electronic engineering and physics
Personal Suitability: Organized
Area of Specialization: Repair
Area of Specialization: Troubleshooting
Assist in inspecting, testing and adjusting electronic components 12
Install, maintain and service equipment 11
Assist in design, development and testing 11
Calibrate electronic equipment and instruments 10
Conduct or supervise the installation, commissioning, and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems 9
Design, develop and test power equipment and systems 8
Carry out applied research in fields of electrical and electronic engineering and physics 8
Personal Suitability: Organized 7
Area of Specialization: Repair 6
Area of Specialization: Troubleshooting 6
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2018

Telecommunications technologists need at least 2 years of related post-secondary education. Some employers accept an equivalent combination of education and experience. Technologists need an understanding of:

  • electronics and electronic components
  • radio and electromagnetic (EMC) fields and circuit design
  • product safety requirements
  • network security practices and systems
  • processes surrounding the implementation of Internet protocol (IP) and telecommunications networks
  • wired hybrid networks (copper or fibre optic cable), wireless, or networks that combine IP and legacy telecom network interfaces.

Required Education

The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

Red Deer College

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Related Education

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

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

Red Deer College

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.

Telecommunication technologists may wish to become certified communication technicians. They must complete the Communication Technician apprenticeship program. To learn more, see the apprenticeship Communication Technician occupational profile.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2018

Certified Engineering Technologist

Certified engineering technologists (CETs) apply industry-recognized codes, standards, procedures and practices to solve problems within their technological areas of expertise. Depending on their duties supervision by a Professional Engineer / Geoscientist or Professional Technologist (Engineering / Geoscience) may be required.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and ASET Regulation [pdf], you must be a registered member of the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to use the title Certified Engineering Technologist (CET). You do not have to be registered if you do not call yourself a Certified Engineering Technologist.

What You Need

Registration requires successful completion of:

  • an applied science, engineering or information technology program accredited at the technologist level by Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) or equivalent
  • at least 2 years of acceptable technical experience
  • 3 professional references
  • completion of a competency report
  • successful completion of ASET’s Professional Practice Exam.

Other requirements may include:

  • ASET certification exam
  • proficiency in English
  • proof of legal entitlement to work in Canada.

For detailed official information about registration requirements, contact ASET.

Working in Alberta

Certified engineering technologists who are registered and in good standing with a regulatory body in another province may transfer to Alberta as a Certified Engineering Technologist or Applied Science Technologist if the two jurisdictions require similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see What if I am already certified in another province or territory in Canada? and the ASET website.

To learn about certification for internationally educated certified engineering technologists, see Electrical Engineering Technologist Certification Process and Mechanical Engineering Technologist Certification Process.

Contact Details

The Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET)
1600, 9888 Jasper Ave.
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 5C6
Canada

Call: 780-425-0626
Toll-free in Alberta: 1-800-272-5619
Fax: 780-424-5053
Email: asetadmin@aset.ab.ca
Website: www.aset.ab.ca

Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience)

Professional Technologists (Engineering) and Professional Technologists (Geoscience) are currently unique to Alberta. They practise independently in accordance with established methodologies and specifications in the fields of engineering and geoscience. They have the authority to sign off and stamp work within a prescribed scope of practice.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and Professional Technologists Regulation [pdf], you must be registered as a Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience) by the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to practise engineering or geoscience within a prescribed scope of practice, or to use the titles Professional Technologist (Engineering) or Professional Technologist (Geoscience) or the abbreviations P.Tech. (Eng.) or P.Tech. (Geo.).

What You Need

To register as a Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience), you must have:

  • A designation as a Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) in good standing
  • At least 6 years of work experience in areas that relate to engineering or geoscience, with at least 2 years under the supervision and control of an Alberta Professional Engineer or Professional Geologist in the your proposed area and scope of practice
  • At least 2 years of post-secondary education in areas that relate to your proposed area and scope of practice
  • At least 4 years of experience under the supervision and control of an Alberta Professional Engineer or Professional Geologist or at least 10 years of experience if your post-secondary education does not match your proposed area and scope of practice
  • 3 professional references
  • Proof of compliance with ASET’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program
  • Successful completion of the National Professional Practice Exam

Other requirements may include:

  • ASET Certification Exam
  • Demonstration of proficiency in English
  • Proof of legal entitlement to work in Canada

For detailed, official information, contact ASET.

Working in Alberta

Professional technologists with a license to practice engineering or geoscience are currently only recognized in Alberta. They may be eligible for a limited licence with engineering regulatory organizations in other jurisdictions. Information on obtaining a limited licence is available through the regulatory organizations.

Registered professional technologists in Alberta may transfer to another province and receive recognition as a Certified Engineering Technologist or Applied Science Technologist by completing the process set by the local provincial regulatory organizations for technologists. For more information, see What if I am already certified in another province or territory in Canada? and the ASET website.

Contact Details

Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET)
1600, 9888 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta  T5J 5C6
Canada

Call: 780-425-0626
Toll-free in Alberta: 1-800-272-5619
Fax: 780-424-5053
Email: asetadmin@aset.ab.ca
Website: www.aset.ab.ca

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2018

Telecommunications technologists work for:

  • cable and satellite communication companies
  • wireless and fibre optic companies
  • public and private telecommunications companies
  • federal, provincial, and municipal governments
  • colleges, universities, and technical institutes
  • companies in the oil and gas industry
  • private contracting and consulting organizations
  • personal consulting services
  • IT manufacturers, service providers, and data centres
  • telephone common carriers.

With time on the job technologists may advance to become supervisors or managers.

Telecommunications technologists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2241: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians. In Alberta, 75% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • trends and events that affect overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
  • location in Alberta
  • employment turnover (work opportunities that come up when people leave existing positions)
  • occupational growth (work opportunities that come up when new positions are created)
  • size of the occupation.

In Alberta, the 2241: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.4% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

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

Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2018

Salaries for telecommunications technologists vary a lot.

Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians

Survey Methodology

Survey Analysis

Overall Wage Details
Average Wage
Average Salary
Hours Per Week
Overall Wage Details
Average Wage $35.80 / hr
Average Salary $74,062.00 / yr
Hours Per Week 39.8 hrs
Hourly Wage
For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $18.00 $44.15 $28.70 $27.64
Overall $21.00 $52.50 $35.80 $37.63
Top $25.00 $60.78 $42.72 $44.00

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.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Industry Information
Utilities
Health Care & Social Assistance
Public Administration
Manufacturing
ALL INDUSTRIES
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Wholesale Trade
Utilities $107,889
Health Care & Social Assistance $88,102
Public Administration $87,122
Manufacturing $77,552
ALL INDUSTRIES $74,062
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services $70,916
Wholesale Trade $51,138
Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years

46%
46%)

Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties

17%
17%

Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months

2%
2%

Vacancy Rate

N/A
Related High School Subjects
  • English Language Arts
  • Media, Design and Communication Arts
    • Design Studies
  • Natural Resources
    • Environmental Stewardship
  • Science
  • Trades, Manufacturing and Transportation
    • Electro-Technologies
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Engineering and Science Technologies
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2018

Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) website: www.apega.ca

Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) website: www.aset.ab.ca

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

Updated Mar 31, 2018. 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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