How to become a Telecommunications Cable Technician
Joins, terminates and repairs copper and fibre optic telecommunications cables installed in underground pipes, trenches and overhead systems.
Main tasks
- Inspects and tests telecommunications cables to identify faults and determine repair requirements
- Locates and excavates cable faults using appropriate tools and equipment
- Joins and terminates copper and fibre optic cables using appropriate connectors and splicing techniques
- Installs and repairs underground pipes and trenches to accommodate telecommunications cables
- Installs and repairs overhead systems for telecommunications cables
- Tests and measures cable performance using specialised equipment
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Certificate III in Telecommunications Network Build and Operation. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
- TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Data and Voice Communications (UEE30420); Certificate III in Telecommunications Network Build and Operation (ICT30419); Certificate III in Telecommunications Technology (ICT30524); Certificate IV in Telecommunications Network Design (ICT41119); Certificate IV in Electrical - Data and Voice Communications (UEE40220); Certificate II in Telecommunications Network Build and Operation (ICT20219); Certificate II in Telecommunications Technology (ICT20319)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $107,120 a year
- About 17,000 people work in this job group now, and about 17,600 are projected by 2035. (+3.8%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Related jobs
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become a Telecommunications Cable Technician?
Ways in include: Certificate III in Data and Voice Communications; Certificate III in Telecommunications Network Build and Operation; Certificate III in Telecommunications Network Build and Operation.
How much does a Telecommunications Cable Technician earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $107,120 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Telecommunications Cable Technician a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4% by 2035, from about 17,000 to about 17,600 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Telecommunications Cable Technician?
Usually not. Only 9% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Data and Voice Communications; Certificate III in Telecommunications Network Build and Operation; Certificate III in Telecommunications Network Build and Operation.
Will AI change the work of a Telecommunications Cable Technician?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04