Telecommunications Line and Cable Workers
NOC 7245
Description
Telecommunications line and cable workers install, repair and maintain telecommunication lines and cables. They are employed by cable television companies and by telephone and other telecommunications services.
Duties
- Install, remove, maintain and repair aerial and underground telephone and other telecommunication transmission and distribution lines, cables and associated hardware
- Install (but do not repair or maintain) cable television lines and cables
- Splice and repair various types and sizes of telephone and other telecommunication cables including single line, coaxial and fibre optic
- Inspect and test telecommunication transmission lines and cables for transmission characteristics and to locate faults
- Analyze and record test results
- Climb and work aloft on poles, ladders or other support structures or work in confined spaces such as trenches, tunnels and crawl spaces
- Communicate with other workers to co-ordinate the preparation and completion of work assignments
- Assist in the erection and removal of telecommunication poles, towers and associated support structures
- May operate excavation machinery and other heavy equipment.
Other Titles
- telecommunications line installer
- splicer technician – telephone
- telephone line technician
- telecommunications lineman/woman
- construction technician – cable television
- communication technician – construction
- telecommunication cable repairer
- apprentice lineman/woman – telecommunications
(Government of Canada National Occupation Classification)
Skills
- Written & verbal communication
- Physical stamina
- Technology
- Attention to detail
- Adaptability
- Able to work independently
- Problem solving
- Time management
Education/Training Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- Completion of secondary school is required
- Most college programs in Ontario require an OSSD or Mature Student Status
Post-secondary diploma/degree
- Completion of a four-year telecommunications line and cable apprenticeship program OR a combination of over three years work experience in the trade and some industry- related or other specialized courses or Completion of a two-year college program in electronics is usually required
Certification
- Trade certification for network cabling specialists is available in Ontario
Potential Earnings in Durham Region
The average and median wages and salaries for individuals employed as telecommunications line and cable workers are as follows. Place of Residence (POR) is defined as individuals who reside within the Durham Region. Place of Work (POW) is defined as individuals who are employed within the Durham Region.
| Median Wages and Salaries (POR) | Average Wages and Salaries (POR) | Median Wages and Salaries (POW) | Average Wages and Salaries (POW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,703 | $51,931 | $50,725 | $55,366 |
Employment Prospects
| Industry (NAICS) | Jobs in Durham Region (POW) | Durham Region Residents Employed (POR) |
|---|---|---|
| 5171 – Telecommunications Carriers | 50 | 220 |
(Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development 2016 data in Durham Workforce Authority’s 2017 Sector Report)
Additional Resources
- Ontario College of Trades network cabling apprenticeship: http://www.collegeoftrades.ca/wp-content/uploads/TFS_Network_Cabling_Specialist-_Oct2015.pdf
- Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario: http://www.ecao.org/