Construction and the built environment
Telecoms field operative
Build, provide or repair telecom services for commercial or residential customers on the UK's National Telecom Access Network.
Summary
This occupation is found in the UK telecom sector.
The broad purpose of the occupation is build, provide or repair telecom services for commercial or residential customers on the UK's National Telecom Access Network. Working on the copper and fibre connections to 4G & 5G services, homes and businesses from the local telephone exchanges. The connections deliver telephone, internet, data and TV services to households and businesses.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with with a number of different customers depending on their role. The customer could be a communication provider with whom the end customer has a contract for a telecom service e.g. Sky, Talk-Talk, BT, PlusNet. In this role the technician could also interact directly with the service providers’ customers – these could be residential or office based. The majority of time in the role will be spent working outside in all kinds of weather. Depending on the specific role the employee could be working on telecom equipment in a telephone exchange, at height, in underground networks, in residential properties and business properties, at the side of the road and in any other places where a telecom service is required.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for an employee in this occupation will be responsible for maintaining, repairing, upgrading, protecting and installing telecoms services on the UK’s National Telecom Access Network. This field-based role will require the individual to work under supervision, alone or as part of a team as required. Their work is allocated to them on a daily basis either from their line manager or a work allocation centre via an electronic device. The output and the quality of their work is audited by their line manager or an external auditor on a regular basis. In this role they do not have management responsibility for anyone. New entrants will be joining a large network of more than 20,000 operatives nationwide.
Typical job titles include
- Access Field Technician | Business Connections Field Engineer | Copper Jointer | External Network Cabler Field Installation Engineers | Fibre Jointer | Installations Technician | Nationwide Cable Network Field Force Engineer | Network Infrastructure Engineer | Overhead Installation Operative | Telecommunications Installation Technician | Telecoms Customer Service Engineer | Trainee Engineer Copper | Trainee Engineer Fibre
Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)
K1:
The principles of OFCOM and government targets for broadband coverage for the UK.
K2:
The UK telecom network including different types of fixed-line such as copper, full fibre network and mobile broadband in the UK.
K3:
The identification and connection of telecom cables; the services and products they are associated with.
K4:
Service Level Agreements (SLA) and the impact of failing to meet these.
K5:
Running telecom cables in a range of environments such as overhead, underground, in customers’ premises, business premises, exchanges and public areas. (Following industry standards.
K6:
Employer health, safety and environmental policies and procedures and where to locate these to refer to. Keeping self, colleagues, customers and members of the public safe in line with legislation.
K7:
The safety at street and road works code of practice.
K8:
Risk assessments, method statements and their application to the role.
K9:
Fault-finding and problem-solving in the telecom network including the different types of testing involved on various points of intervention and the tools and techniques needed to locate issues.
K10:
The principles of testing, checking and installation. The completion process including signing off completed work and demonstrating service where required.
K11:
Customer service, understanding the differing needs and priorities of various customers. Adapting communication style to interact with customers or members of the public in a range of situations.
K12:
Escalation channels and the correct escalation process including when, how and to whom.
K13:
Task management systems, how to access and interpret the information critical to completing tasks, including the importance of keeping records up to date and keeping to expected completion times.
K14:
Network records and associated information, and how these can aid the task being worked on: address details, distribution points, nodes, size/capacity, connection points, exchange details.
K15:
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulations) and how they impact the role.
Technical Educational Products
- ST0832: Telecoms field operative (Level 2) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0832
- Status:
Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £29,381 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 7213 Communication operators
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 7213/99 Communication operators n.e.c.
S1:
Carry out a risk assessment before starting work activities. Follow method statements.
S2:
Identify the structure and composition of telecom network cables.
S3:
Work from and interpret telecom network plans to identify plant or location.
S4:
Work on and in various connection points in the telecoms network.
S5:
Work in a safe manner and follow correct procedures when entering and working in the telecoms network in various environments, including overhead and underground.
S6:
Select and use the appropriate equipment on a telecom network.
S7:
Install and test components of the telecom network.
S8:
Fault-find and problem-solve on the telecom network.
S9:
Maintaining safety standards whilst working towards the task objectives.
S10:
Use personal protective equipment in a safe and appropriate manner.
S11:
Use a variety of communication methods to interact with third parties to give/receive information accurately, in a timely manner in order to deliver the best possible experience.
S12:
Identify and take appropriate actions when working around other utilities services.
S13:
Working as an individual or as a member of a team to achieve defined goals.
Technical Educational Products
- ST0832: Telecoms field operative (Level 2) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0832
- Status:
- Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £29,381 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 7213 Communication operators
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 7213/99 Communication operators n.e.c.
B1:
Deliver a polite, courteous professional service to all customers and members of the public whilst safeguarding customer welfare and recognising vulnerability.
B2:
Prioritise the safety of self and others.
B3:
Self-motivated and able to work alone or as part of a team.
B4:
Be organised and apply effective time management to meet deadlines.
Technical Educational Products
- ST0832: Telecoms field operative (Level 2) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0832
- Status:
- Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £29,381 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 7213 Communication operators
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 7213/99 Communication operators n.e.c.
