Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Working Life

Telecommunications technicians install communication systems at customers' homes and business premises. As well as telephones, these systems could include fax machines and cabling for computer networks. When installing telecommunications systems, technicians may lay cables, and connect and test the equipment to the customer's satisfaction.  
 
Some technicians travel to client's homes or businesses to repair faults. These technicians are likely to be responsible for a particular geographical area. Sometimes technicians can repair equipment on-site. Otherwise, they bring it back to a workshop for further testing and repair.  
 
At a telephone exchange (or switching centre), technicians investigate faulty lines and connect new customers to the service. Technicians maintain satellite earth stations, connecting circuits through the satellite to telecommunications systems, and dealing with any faults that come up.  
 
Technicians are involved in the expanding cellular network, either maintaining switching centres or testing circuits at local network stations.  
 
Some telecommunications technicians work for equipment manufacturers, helping to design, develop, test and install the equipment.  
 
Telecommunications technicians work indoors and outdoors, and have considerable contact with customers in business or in private homes. They may work in telephone exchanges, computer and equipment rooms, and installation or service depots for sustained periods of time. They may also be required to work in trenches and underground tunnels or at heights on towers and telegraph poles.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Demonstrate equipment to customers and explain its use, responding to any inquiries or complaints.
• Test circuits and components of malfunctioning telecommunications equipment to isolate sources of malfunctions, using test meters, circuit diagrams, polarity probes, and other hand tools.
• Test repaired, newly installed, or updated equipment to ensure that it functions properly and conforms to specifications, using test equipment and observation.
• Climb poles and ladders, use truck-mounted booms, and enter areas such as manholes and cable vaults to install, maintain, or inspect equipment.
• Assemble and install communication equipment such as data and telephone communication lines, wiring, switching equipment, wiring frames, power apparatus, computer systems, and networks.
• Run wires between components and to outside cable systems, connecting them to wires from telephone poles or underground cable accesses.
• Test connections to ensure that power supplies are adequate and that communications links function.
• Note differences in wire and cable colors so that work can be performed correctly.
• Inspect equipment on a regular basis to ensure proper functioning.
• Collaborate with other workers to locate and correct malfunctions.

Further Information

• Telecoms Technician- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

There are many pathways to develop the skills, experience, and qualifications to progress towards a career in Telecommunications.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: overhead lines operative.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: networking, ICT, engineering, pre-apprenticeship.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Telecommunications and Data Network Technician

Search for Apprenticeships

This apprenticeship is managed by TU Dublin. If you are interested in a telecommunications and data network technician apprenticeship you should contact TU Dublin via the contact details in ‘Find Out More Section’ below.

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: electric, electronic communications engineering.

Search for CAO Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €90k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role. Salaries also vary based on phase within your Apprenticeship rate paid by employer.

Data Source(s):
Indeed / Glassdoor/ Payscale/ Solas/ Morgan McKinley/ WEI

Last Updated: March, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Electricians; electrical fitters; Telecommunications engineers; TV, video and audio engineers; IT engineers Electrical; electronic trades n.e.c. Skilled metal, electrical and electronic trades supervisors.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment growth for this occupation was well above the national average; employment grew strongly in the second half of 2022, significantly above pre-COVID levels. As the Census data indicates, electricians and electrical fitters account for the largest share of those employed in this occupation, with employment growing by almost 7,000 persons since 2016. 

There was a relatively high number of vacancies for electricians advertised through DSP Jobs Ireland in 2022. Employment permits mostly related to customer engineers and field service engineers and were for roles within the ICT sector. Difficult-to-fill vacancy mentions in the Recruitment Agency Survey were for electricians in the construction sector. There have been increasing numbers of new apprenticeship registrations for electricians in recent years (over 2,600 in 2022), with over 500 craft awards made in 2021.

Employment is expanding for this occupation with demand occurring across a variety of sectors. Although supply is considered sufficient for the housing sector (based on DFHERIS report), demand is being driven in part by energy efficiency and the green agenda. There also appears to be a shift in the skills mix required for electricians to energy performance in building, energy sector policy, maintenance and repair. Although no shortages are identified at present, they may potentially emerge if employment continues to grow at its current rate.

• COMREG Communcations regulator

  • 018049600
  • [email protected]
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• Engineers Ireland

  • 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
  • (01) 665 1300
  • Click Here