OFO No: 215303

Other names for Telecommunications Network Engineer:

• Communications Consultant
• Communications Specialist (ICT)
• Telecommunications Consultant
• Telecommunications Network Planner
• Telecommunications Specialist

What is a Telecommunications Network Engineer?

A Telecommunications Network Engineer is responsible for designing, installing, maintaining and operating communication systems.

These systems could be:

• Wired
• Fibre optic
• Wireless etc

They may also be called computer network architects.

What does a Telecommunications Network Engineer do?

• researches telecommunicating systems
• analyses data
• writes reports
• advises companies and/or governments on telecommunication systems
• designs new or modifies existing systems
• develops new telecommunication equipment
• controls quality (materials, production, maintenance etc)
• follows strict safety standards

Are you . . . ?

• interested in communications?
• a problem solver?
• detail orientated?
• observant?
• a team player?
• a good communicator?
• creative thinker?
• intelligent?

How do I become a Telecommunications Network Engineer?

PATH 1

Bachelor of Electronic Engineering

• University of Cape Town
• University of Johannesburg
• University of KZN
• University of Pretoria
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of Witwatersrand

PATH 2

Bachelor of Electronic Engineering

• 3 years workplace experience as a Candidate Engineer (registered with ECSA)
• Professional Engineer Review with ECSA
• Designation: Only engineers registered with ECSA may use the title Professional Engineer.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

• ENGINEERING COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA (ECSA)

ECSA is the national body that regulates professional engineers.

https://www.ecsa.co.za/default.aspx

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Environmental Engineer or Aircraft Mechanic

Is becoming a Telecommunications Network Engineer the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 215302

What is a Telecommunications Engineering Technologist?

A Telecommunications Engineering Technologist usually works alongside Telecommunications Engineers. They assist by modifying and repairing old and new telecommunication systems.

What does a Telecommunications Engineering Technologist do?

• inspects existing telecommunication systems
• advises on different aspects (parts / equipment etc)
• organises and helps with maintenance and repairs
• keeps up to date with new telecommunication systems and products
• works with wired, wireless and fibre optic systems

Are you . . . ?

• interested in telecommunications?
• good with your hands?
• reliable and responsible?
• observant?
• a team player?
• electrically minded?

How do I become a Telecommunications Engineering Technologist?

PATH 1

National Diploma in Electronic Engineering
Bachelor of Technology in Electronic Engineering

PATH 2

National Diploma in Electronic Engineering
Bachelor of Technology in Electronic Engineering

These can be done at most universities of technology

• 3 year workplace experience (registered as a Candidate Engineering Technologist with ECSA)
• Professional Review
• Designation: Only engineering technologists registered with ECSA may use the title Professional Engineering Technologist.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

• ENGINEERING COUNCIL of SA (ECSA)

https://www.ecsa.co.za/default.aspx

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Automotive Electrician or Armature Winder

Is becoming a Telecommunications Engineering Technologist the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 215304

What is a Telecommunications Field Engineer?

A Telecommunications Field Engineer is an expert on telecommunications. They design, plan and monitor complicated network systems.

What does a Telecommunications Field Engineer do?

• researches telecommunications (new and existing)
• analyses data
• compiles reports
• advises companies and government
• designs new telecommunication networks and equipment
• uses wired, fibre optics and wireless systems
• organises maintenance programmes
• monitors installations
• follows strict safety procedures

Are you . . . ?

• intellectual?
• a problem solver?
• organised?
• able to develop new programmes?
• reliable and responsible?
• analytical?
• a team player?
• observant?

How do I become a Telecommunications Field Engineer?

PATH 1

Bachelor of Electronic Engineering

• University of Cape Town
• University of Johannesburg
• University of KZN
• University of Pretoria
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of Witwatersrand

PATH 2

Bachelor of Electronic Engineering

• 3 years workplace experience as a Candidate Engineer (registered with ECSA)
• Professional Engineer Review with ECSA
• Designation: Only engineers registered with ECSA may use the title Professional Engineer.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

• ENGINEERING COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA (ECSA)

ECSA is the national body that regulates professional engineers.

https://www.ecsa.co.za/default.aspx

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Telecommunications Line Mechanic or Chemical Engineering Technician

Is becoming a Telecommunications Field Engineer the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 215301

Other names for Telecommunications Engineer:

• Broadcast Engineer
• DSP Designer
• Engineer Communications
• Fibre Optics Engineer
• Radar Engineer
• Radio and Telecommunications Engineer
• Radio Engineer
• RF Designers (Tx and Rx)
• Satellite Transmission Engineer
• Signal Processing Engineer
• Signal Systems Engineer
• Signalling and Communications Engineer

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – Story of a Telecom Engineer

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Telecommunications Engineer?

A Telecommunications Engineer researches, designs and develops new telecommunications systems and products.

What does a Telecommunications Engineer do?

• researches telecommunication products and systems (wired, fibre optical and wireless)
• designs new products, networks and systems
• supplies and advises on telecommunication devices and systems
• organises maintenance
• adheres to quality and safety standards

Are you . . . ?

• interested in engineering?
• intelligent?
• observant?
• a problem solver?
• a team player?
• good at mathematics?
• analytical?

How do I become a Telecommunications Engineer?

PATH 1

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

or

Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical or Electronic)

• University of Cape Town
• University of Johannesburg
• University of KZN
• University of Pretoria
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of Witwatersrand

PATH 2

Bachelor of Electronic Engineering

• Workplace experience (register as a Candidate Engineer with ECSA)
• Professional review by ECSA
• Designation: Only engineers registered with ECSA may use the title Professional Engineer.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

• ENGINEERING COUNCIL of SA (ECSA)

https://www.ecsa.co.za/default.aspx

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Civil Engineer or Civil Engineering Technician

Is becoming a Telecommunications Engineer the right career choice for me?

Other names for Telecommunications Line Mechanic:

• Electrician (Telecommunication)
• Operator Bearer Systems (Army)
• Telecom Transmission Serviceman
• Telecommunication Electrician
• Telecommunications Line Installer
• Telecommunications Line Serviceman
• Telephone Linesperson and Installer

What is a Telecommunications Line Mechanic?

A Telecommunications Line Mechanic installs, maintains and repairs external telecommunication equipment.

What does a Telecommunications Line Mechanic do?

• installs, maintains and repairs external telecommunication equipment  (radio, TV, telephone etc)
• tests lines
• troubleshoots
• locates and repairs faults
• keeps records

Are you . . . ?

• interested in telecommunications?
• good with your hands?
• a problem solver?
• reliable?
• responsible?
• observant?
• detail orientated?

How do I become a Telecommunications Line Mechanic?

PATH 1

• Apprenticeship
• Trade Test

PATH 2

• Learnership – Telecommunication Network Operations NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 3

• Learnership – Electrical Engineering (transmission) NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 4

• Learnership – Electrical Engineering (distribution) NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 5

• National Certificate in Telecommunications for Customer Premises Equipment (NQF Level 2, 3 and 4)
• Trade Test

PATH 6

• National Certificate: N1, N2, N3 (Engineering Studies)
• Workplace experience
• Trade Test

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Boilermaker … or … Tool, Jig an Die-Maker

Is becoming a Telecommunications Line Mechanic the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 672205

Other names for Telecommunications Technician:

• Communications Electronician
• Communications Installation Coordinator
• Communications Technician
• Electronician (Communications)
• Radio Communications Technician
• Technical Communications Manager
• Telecommunication Mechanician
• Telecommunications Technician Quality Controller
• Telephone Equipment Serviceman / Technician
• Telephone Installer
• Telephone Technician

What is a Telecommunications Technician?

A Telecommunications Technician installs, repairs and maintains telecommunications systems.

These could be in residential, commercial or governmental systems.

What kind of systems are there?

• Telephone / Fax lines
• Internet  / Wi-fi
• Office equipment
• Cabling

Most Telecommunications Technicians work for large companies.

What does a Telecommunications Technician do?

• installs new systems and sets up
• tests equipment
• trains people to use the systems
• maintains and repairs systems
• travels from site to site
• makes regular inspections
• troubleshoots and fixes problems
• keeps records

Are you . . . ?

• technically minded?
• observant?
• good with your hands?
• responsible and reliable?
• a team player?
• detail orientated?
• a problem solver?

How do I become a Telecommunications Technician?

PATH 1

• Apprenticeship
• Trade Test

PATH 2

• Learnership – Telecommunications Network Operations NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 3

• Learnership – Information Technology: Technical Support NQF Level 2, 3, and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 4

• Learnership – Information Technology: Systems Development NQF Level 2, 3, and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 5

• National Certificate in Telecommunications for Customer Premises Equipment NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 6

• National Certificate: Engineering Studies N1, N2 and N3
• These can be done at many TVET (FET) colleges. Check out your local college.
• Workplace experience
• Trade Test

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Millwright or Civil Engineering Technician

Is becoming a Telecommunications Technician the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is a Mobile Phone Technician?

The world is going ‘wireless’ which means more and more mobile phones are being sold every day.  That means too, that the world needs more and more  Mobile Phone Technicians.

Some Mobile Phone Technicians work for large cellular companies while others open their own small businesses.  With the right attitude, work ethic and advertising campaign – this job could be the perfect work-from-home job.

What does a Mobile Phone Technician do?

• discusses problems with clients
• trouble shoots (finding out what is causing the problem)
• orders parts
• repairs minor and major problems on cellular/mobile phones
• invoices

Are you … ?

• technically minded?
• good with your hands?
• detail orientated?
• good with customers?
• patient?

How do I become a Mobile Phone Technician?

• MICROCARE MOBILE PHONE REPAIRS TRAINING CENTRE

Provide computerized mobile repairing course/s in Pretoria starting from basics to chip-level

Another way to become a Mobile Phone Technician is to approach a cellular phone company directly.  They may offer in-house training. 

If you start at the bottom of the company and show that you are hard-working and dedicated, the company may send you on a training course for you to become a Mobile Phone Technician.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Telecommunications Technician … or … Photocopier Technician

Is becoming a Mobile Phone Technician the right career choice for me?

• Transmission – the installation of fibre, optical microwave and cable carrier systems for short and long-range telephone lines.
• Telephony – refers to replacing electromagnetic exchanges by digital exchanges
• Telegraphy – refers to a teleprinter that works according to digital, electronic and mechanic principles.

Career Planet (CP): How long have you been with Buzz?
Vaun Hamilton (VH): 16 Months

CP: Give a short description of your job
VH: As we have only been operating for about 2 years now, we are still a fairly small company, hence I am still very hands on with day to day operations of the business. This includes, selling, support, managing and project managing new installations. I also take care of all of the marketing and advertising for Buzz        

CP: When you were at school, did you have an idea of the type of career you wanted to follow?
VH: No Idea

CP: Have you followed this type of career path?
VH: No

CP: What other jobs have you had along the way?
VH: Operations Manager, for biggest film production company in SA
Store Manager for Wetherlys Home Décor
Store Manager for Weylandts

CP: When and where did you study?
VH: Western Province Technical College – 2007

CP: What did you study, and what qualifications do you have?
VH: Industrial Electronics – N3

CP: What made you decide to choose that path of study?
VH: Enjoyed working with my hands and found it exciting.

CP: How long was it before you found employment in the field that you studied for?
VH: Although I never did work as an Industrial Electrician, my training gave me valuable skills

CP: Have you ever job shadowed?  If so, what kind, and where?
VH: No

CP: Have you ever done any volunteer work to gain experience?
VH: None

CP: Do you work office hours or flexi-time?
VH: I work whatever hours the job requires – even at 2am if needed!

CP: Do you work in a relaxed or an informal environment?
VH: We try and keep it as relaxed as possible, but stress is a reality in this line of work.

CP: What is the dress code for your job?
VH: Casual, as much as possible

CP: Does your job restrict you to a certain geographical area?
VH: No, the world is my oyster

CP: Is your job restricted to a specific gender?
VH: No, absolutely not .

CP: Describe the kind of person that you think most suits this type of work
VH: Anybody who is quick to learn, technically minded and a ‘people’ person.

CP: What is the best reward this job has given you?
VH: A better sense of business

CP: Is there anything you’d like to change about your working conditions?
VH: My working conditions are great.

CP: Do you have hobbies?
VH: Yes, I race Motocross bikes

CP: Any advice for those thinking of following a similar professional route?
VH: Learn, learn, learn. This industry and equipment change daily, the more you know, the better it is, can only help.