How to become a telecoms and related network installer or repairer
Official title: Telecoms and related network installers and repairers
Also called: Repairer, Installer, Cord repairer, Wire repairer, Cable repairer, Cable installer, Network officer, Telecom engineer, Telecoms engineer, Network controller, Telephone installer, Core network engineer
Telecoms and related network installers and repairers install, maintain and repair public and private telephone systems and maintain, test and repair telecoms cables.
Main tasks
- Installs internal cabling and wiring for telephone systems and networks and fits and wires junction and distribution boxes
- Fixes connecting wires from underground and aerial lines to premises and connects cable terminals to inside wiring
- Installs telephones, switchboards and coin operated phone boxes
- Uses testing equipment to locate defective components of circuitry and makes any necessary repairs
- Tests installation and makes any further necessary adjustments
- Assists with the erection of wooden poles or steel towers to carry overhead lines
- Connects cables and tests for any defects
- Locates and repairs faults to lines and ancillary equipment
How to become one
There are no formal academic requirements, although entrants typically possess GCSEs/S grades or an equivalent qualification. Apprenticeships and traineeships combining work experience and practical training are available at NVQ/SVQ levels 2 and 3.
Ways in
- Apprenticeship (England): Network cable installer (level 3). England. Typically 15 months. Skills England standard ST0485.
- Apprenticeship (England): Telecoms field operative (level 2). England. Typically 15 months. Skills England standard ST0832.
- Apprenticeship (England): Wireless communications rigger (level 2). England. Typically 18 months. Skills England standard ST0616.
Pay · Outlook
- Median full-time pay: £39,998 a year The middle half earn £34,515 to £46,505.
- About 84,700 people work in this job now, and about 79,900 are projected by 2035. (-5.6%)
Related jobs
- Electricians and electrical fitters
- Tv, video and audio servicers and repairers
- Computer system and equipment installers and servicers
- Security system installers and repairers
- Electrical service and maintenance mechanics and repairers
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Questions people ask
How do I become a telecoms and related network installer or repairer?
There are no formal academic requirements, although entrants typically possess GCSEs/S grades or an equivalent qualification. Apprenticeships and traineeships combining work experience and practical training are available at NVQ/SVQ levels 2 and 3.
How much does a telecoms and related network installer or repairer earn in the UK?
Median full-time pay is £39,998 a year (Office for National Statistics). The middle half earn £34,515 to £46,505.
Is a telecoms and related network installer or repairer a growing career in the UK?
Employment is projected to fall 6% by 2035, from about 84,700 to about 79,900 people (Department for Education).
Do you need a degree to become a telecoms and related network installer or repairer?
Usually not. Only 24% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Network cable installer (level 3).
Sources
- Office for National Statistics: Annual Population Survey: employment by occupation (April 2025 to March 2026), OGL v3.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Office for National Statistics: SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions (2026-08-27 edition), OGL v3.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Department for Education: Skills Imperative 2035: employment projections by occupation (2021 to 2035 (Warwick IER / Cambridge Econometrics)), OGL v3.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Office for National Statistics: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, Table 14 (2025 provisional), OGL v3.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03