 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Communication Technician |
 |
Communication technicians install, maintain, remove and/or repair wiring networks, consumer and business communication equipment and specialized equipment such as intercoms, fax machines, computer networks.
They also maintain and repair various types of microwave, television, toll and switching equipment used to provide local or long distance service.
To perform these functions, they must be:
Installers working in customers' homes and businesses must be courteous, tactful and adaptable.
Working conditions vary greatly for communication technicians, depending upon the specific duties involved. Some work primarily outdoors, and some primarily indoors. Shift work may be required; overtime is required during emergencies.
There is some risk of injury from electrical shock or from falling.
The work is most rewarding for those who enjoy learning new things and doing precise work that sometimes requires creativity.
To be successful in their trade, communication technicians need:
Communication technicians are employed by communication companies that install, maintain, sell, rent or lease communications equipment, or install private communications systems.
Journeyperson wage rates vary, but generally can range from $25 to $38 an hour plus benefits.
Experienced communication technicians may advance to supervisory positions, change to other craft areas, or retrain and transfer to other departments such as sales or engineering.
To work as a Communication Technician in Alberta, a person may:
Communication technicians learn their skills by registering with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training to participate in apprenticeship training. Upon successful completion, they are awarded the Alberta Journeyman Certificate.
A communication technician who holds a valid recognized credential that does not have a Red Seal may apply for:
Communication technicians who:
may be eligible to apply for trade certification under the Qualification Certificate Program.
Individuals possessing a valid Alberta Journeyman Certificate, an Alberta Qualification Certificate, an Alberta Occupational Certificate, or a valid recognized credential are eligible to receive a Blue Seal business credential after completing the necessary requirements.
The term of apprenticeship for a communication technician is 4 years (four 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1500 hours of on-the-job training, 6 weeks of technical training in the first 3 periods and 8 weeks of technical training in the final period.
To learn the skills required of a Communication Technician in Alberta and be issued an Alberta Journeyman Certificate, a person must:
Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates and may select apprentices from among their current employees.
- during on-the-job training, apprentice communication technicians earn at least 40 percent of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 50 percent in the second, 60 percent in the third, and 75 percent in the fourth year.
- select an educational institution that offers training for Communication Technician apprentices, and a time to attend training
- determine requirements for enrolling at the selected institution, and forward completed enrollment form to the selected institution
When apprentices attend technical training, they are required to pay the applicable tuition fee and purchase course supplies.
Grants, scholarships and other financial assistance may be available. For more information see Financial Assistance or contact an Apprenticeship and Industry Training Office.
The Communication Technician trade does not participate in the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program
To qualify for an Equivalency document based on a recognized credential, a person must:
A person who holds a valid recognized credential, as described above, does not require an Alberta Equivalency document to work in the trade in Alberta. However, some employers may require Alberta documentation as proof that the holder is allowed to work in the trade or that the holder's credential is recognized.
To qualify for a Qualification Certificate based on a recognized credential, a person must:
To qualify for an Alberta Qualification Certificate based on work experience, a person must:
Time spent on supervisory or foreman duties, counter work, heading the tool crib, or on a training course is NOT counted as ‘hands-on’ work experience.
This application fee covers the review of the application, the assessment and confirmation of the applicant's work experience hours/months, the administration of the applicant’s demonstration of competency, and one attempt at the Qualification Certificate theory examination. The Qualification Certificate practical examination requires a separate fee as identified on the application noted above.
