Telecommunications line and cable workers – NOC : 7245

Unit Group

7245 Telecommunications line and cable workers

Telecommunications line and cable workers install, repair and maintain telecommunication lines and cables. They are employed by cable television companies and by telephone and other telecommunications services.

Example Titles

apprentice lineman/woman – telecommunications

cable repairer, telecommunications

communication technician – construction

construction technician – cable television

lineman/woman, telecommunications

splicer technician – telephone

telecommunications line installer

telephone line technician

View all titles

Main duties

Telecommunications line and cable workers perform some or all of the following duties:

Install, remove, maintain and repair aerial and underground telephone and other telecommunication transmission and distribution lines, cables and associated hardware
Install (but do not repair or maintain) cable television lines and cables
Splice and repair various types and sizes of telephone and other telecommunication cables including single line, coaxial and fibre optic
Inspect and test telecommunication transmission lines and cables for transmission characteristics and to locate faults
Analyze and record test results
Climb and work aloft on poles, ladders or other support structures or work in confined spaces such as trenches, tunnels and crawl spaces
Communicate with other workers to co-ordinate the preparation and completion of work assignments
Assist in the erection and removal of telecommunication poles, towers and associated support structures
May operate excavation machinery and other heavy equipment.

Employment requirements

Completion of secondary school is required.
Completion of a four-year telecommunications line and cable apprenticeship program
or
A combination of over three years work experience in the trade and some industry- related or other specialized courses
or
Completion of a two-year college program in electronics is usually required.
Trade certification for communications electrician (construction craft) is available, but voluntary, in Alberta, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

Additional information

Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.

Classified elsewhere

Cable television service and maintenance technicians (7247)
Electrical power line and cable workers (7244)
Supervisors of telecommunications line and cable workers (in 7202 Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations )
Telecommunications installation and repair workers (7246)