HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
The pathway to this job can vary by employer and region, but many workers learn through a college program, a trade-related program, or a mix of classroom learning and on-the-job training. Some people enter after gaining experience in installation, maintenance, or related technical work. Employers usually value people who can read diagrams, solve problems, and work safely with tools and equipment. Because the job involves customer service, teamwork, and technical troubleshooting, students who enjoy hands-on work and practical technology may want to explore related courses in electronics, communications, and applied technology. In some areas, employers may ask for different combinations of schooling and experience.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Communicate with subscribers and company personnel to determine work assignments
- Connect, disconnect and relocate cable outlets, install splitters, converters, decoders, satellite and pay TV equipment, and install other cable hardware and systems at subscriber's premises
- Install cable modems and software to enable Internet access at subscriber's premises
- Inspect, test and repair cable and satellite television signals and associated equipment at subscriber's premises.
- Maintain and repair main aerial and underground coaxial and fibre optic cable television transmission lines, trunking and related distribution and interconnecting systems including power supplies and amplifiers
- Inspect, monitor, test and adjust cable transmission and distribution systems
- Repair or replace faulty cables, power supplies, amplifiers and other associated transmission and distribution equipment
- Climb and work aloft on poles, ladders or other support structures
- Communicate with other workers to co-ordinate the preparation and completion of work assignments.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
What a day can include
A typical day often starts with checking assigned jobs and speaking with supervisors or dispatch staff. A technician may drive to a home or business to install a cable outlet, replace a faulty part, or set up Internet equipment. At another stop, they might test a signal that is weak or cutting out, then trace the problem through cables, amplifiers, or power supplies. Some tasks happen indoors, while others require climbing a pole or working from a ladder. They also spend time documenting what was done, updating coworkers, and moving on to the next service call. The work changes from one location to the next, so no two days are exactly alike.
SKILLS TO BUILD