Engineering Technologist, Telecommunications Engineering Technologist
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:
| Starting | $31.19 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $36.77 |
| Top | $41.98 |
Interest in precision working to set up and operate specialized and standard equipment to test the performance of components, assemblies and systems
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
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
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.
Telecommunications technologists work with devices and systems. These systems involve the transmission and reception of information and include:
Telecommunications technologists may:
Duties vary. In general, telecommunications technologists:
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.
Telecommunications technologists need to possess:
They should enjoy:
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:
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
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.
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.
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.
Registration requires successful completion of:
Other requirements may include:
For detailed official information about registration requirements, contact ASET.
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 engineering technologists, see Mechanical Engineering Technologist Certification Process [pdf] and Electrical Engineering Technologist Certification Process [pdf] on the Opportunity Alberta website.
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 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.
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.).
To register as a Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience), you must have:
Other requirements may include:
For detailed, official information, contact ASET.
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.
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
Telecommunications technologists work for:
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:
In Alberta, the C141: Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.3% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 77 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.
Salaries for telecommunications technologists vary a lot.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $16.00 | $43.43 | $31.19 | $31.25 |
| Overall | $20.35 | $50.46 | $36.77 | $37.71 |
| Top | $28.85 | $56.95 | $41.98 | $43.14 |
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.
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.
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $98,183 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $84,281 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $77,509 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $73,785 |
| Manufacturing | $59,227 |
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
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
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.