A Guide to Telecom Jobs

If you have recently graduated, or you are a jobseeker or interested in a career change, you may be wondering what opportunities are out there for you. If this sounds like you, why not consider a career in telecoms? Some of the worlds biggest telecoms business, such as BT group, operate out of the UK.

Here’s our top advice on how and why you should enter the telecoms sector.

What is telecoms?

The telecoms sector is one of the world’s fastest growing industries and is made up of companies that make communication possible around the globe. It is the exchange of information over substantial distances by electronic means, including both wired and mobile phones, radio, TV, and internet communications. Telecommunications are made possible by using transmitting technologies such as fibre optics, satellites, microwave communications, and telegraphs.

What are the different telecom jobs available?

Every day, full time job opportunities are becoming available in the telecommunications sector. The telecoms industry is evolving all the time in order to meet the expectations of consumers and incorporate the newest advancements in technology, so there is an abundance of prospects for those looking to break into the sector.

If you have skills in engineering or programming, you can carve a successful career for yourself in telecommunications. It is one of the most exhilarating and fast paced industries.

Telecommunication engineer roles

We have broken down a list of some of the types of engineering roles needed in the telecoms industry:

• Telecommunications engineer: Project engineers design equipment such as switches, routers, circuits, and other equipment/computers designed to be used in the telecommunication network infrastructure.
• Network engineer: The role of a network engineer is to create, implement, and manage computer networks. They specialise in computer engineering and are responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of these networks.
• Central-office engineer: Central-office engineers are responsible for the design and overseeing of telecoms equipment in a central office. This role includes integrating new technology into the existing network, clocking, providing power, alarm monitoring, and designing how huge amounts of cable will be distributed throughout the central office.
• Outside-plant engineer (OSP): The duties of outside plant engineers involve servicing and fixing industrial machinery. Generally, they work at locations like plants, refineries, or power plants, and their main purpose is to keep equipment running fluently. They implement telecommunications infrastructure such as underground & aerial fibre optic installations.
• Project management: Once experienced in this trade, you’re likely going to want to move into a position with more responsibility. There are a number of project manager jobs across the UK where one would be in charge of a team of engineers.

How do I get a job in the telecoms industry?

There are a few options on how you could enter the telecoms sector. The most popular route in is either through college qualifications or an apprenticeship. Here are some examples of courses you might want to consider if you’re looking to break into the telecommunications industry.

Courses for telecoms engineering

• Level 2 Award in Communications Cabling
• Level 3 Diploma in ICT Systems and Principles
• Level 3 Diploma in Professional Competence for IT and Telecoms Professionals
• T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing
• T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
• Courses like these could help you to find a trainee position with a telecoms company.

Apprenticeships for telecoms engineering

• Telecoms field operative intermediate apprenticeship.
• Advanced apprenticeship for network cable installers or radio network technicians.

An engineering recruitment agency to find your next role or candidate

If you’re looking for your next profession, whether it’s a temporary, fixed-term, or permanent position, or if you require skilled, experienced engineers or project managers, PPR Recruitment is your one-stop solution to matching quality people with quality jobs. We operate out of London, but cover most of the South East.

Give one of our knowledgeable and friendly recruitment experts a call on 01895 808188 for further information on the benefits of internal recruitment. For anything else, contact us online or send an email to info@ppronline.co.uk