Industry Sectors

Telecommunications

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Industry Summary

In the UK, 1.5 million people – which is one in every twenty people – work in the IT and Telecoms industry and there are plenty more IT and Telecoms professionals who work in other industries, such as retail and banking. It is an industry that is open to you no matter your age or qualifications as there are opportunities available to you at any level.

A career in telecommunications is one which will be always changing with a varied workload. The industry is driven by competitive advances which means there is a wide range of opportunities available within it – from network engineers and technical professionals through to project management, marketing, HR and customer services to ensure that customers always have an outstanding experience.

If you choose to work in the telecommunications industry, you’ll likely be working at one of the largest organisations in the UK and at the forefront of technology. It’s a very rewarding industry and you’ll be able to see the impact you make for years to come, not just in the UK but also globally. It’s an industry that can be tailored no matter what your own goals are – whether you want to work in an office or locally in your hometown, or if you wanted to travel across the country and overseas, there will be something perfectly suited to you.

Just think: if our technological infrastructure was to fail, the nation and possibly the world, would grind to a halt. You could be working with the companies that make sure that doesn’t happen.


WORK EXPERIENCE

Work experience in telecommunications can go a long way when it comes to starting your career in the industry. It is a very competitive industry, so getting your foot in the door with work experience could be just what you need! Not only will it help you understand the breadth of the industry, but you’ll be able to get an idea of all of the types available in the industry and how they work together to create amazing solutions to everyday problems. Work placements will also help you develop your skills and CV so you stand out from the crowd. Getting experience with a telecommunications organisation will be really valuable, but as the industry covers so many jobs roles work experience in the role you find interesting is all that matter!


APPRENTICESHIPS

An apprenticeship in the telecommunications industry will give you experience in a full-time role and give you the knowledge you need of the industry or job role to help you start your career! You’ll be working alongside experienced colleagues, so you’ll be learning from the best while you’re studying a qualification as well! Let’s not forget, you’ll be getting all this experience and qualifications while being paid, what more could you want? Here are some of the apprenticeships that are available in the telecommunications industry:

  • Customer Service Practitioner Level 2
  • Telecoms Field Operative Level 2
  • Facilities Manager Level 3
  • Bid and Proposal Co-ordinator Level 3
  • Associate Project Manager Level 4
  • Network Engineer Level 4

UNIVERSITY

If you choose to go to university, there are plenty of opportunities to help you get an opportunity within the telecommunications industry. If you choose to go to university, you’ll be spending your time going to lectures, learning academic knowledge about the industry and getting involved with hands-on projects – important information you can apply to your career when you graduate. You’ll also be able to pick what units or topics you’d like to study and specialise in. For example, if product design is more up your street, you can tailor your degree to that area!

You could choose to do your degree in a variety of subjects, from communications, engineering through to business-related studies as well.


GRADUATE JOBS

The telecommunications industry are big employers for qualified graduates in everything from engineering, technology and innovation through to marketing, finance and business. As a graduate, you’ll be one of the future leaders of the largest organisations in the UK and get brilliant training and training and loads of mentoring to help you blaze a trail through a variety of businesses. Graduates will be able to continue training and gain a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) award. Graduate schemes and programmes are commonly offered by employers which will provide you the opportunity to gain the skills and experience in the workplace to succeed in the telecommunications industry.


OTHER ROUTES

Telecommunications is an industry where you could go straight into a role from school, college or following a career in another industry. As a practical, hands-on sector, many roles are based on the physical skills you possess rather than specific qualifications. The industry also rewards people that stay within the sector, so you can look forward to promotions and developing your knowledge in different areas of the business.

Start your search for opportunities in the Telecoms industry, today!

Career Progression, Discover Your Future

Work Description

Job holders in this unit group plan, organise, direct and co-ordinate the work and resources necessary to provide and operate information technology and telecommunications services within an organisation.

Qualification

There are no pre-set entry requirements although candidates usually possess a degree or equivalent qualification together with substantial, relevant work experience. A variety of professional and postgraduate qualifications is available.

Job Tasks

develops in consultation with other senior management the IT/telecommunications strategy of the organisation; directs the implementation within the organisation of IT/telecommunications strategy, infrastructure, procurement, procedures and standards; develops the periodic business plan and operational budget for IT/telecommunications to deliver agreed service levels; considers the required IT/telecommunications staffing levels, oversees recruitment and appointment of staff and directs training policy; prioritises and schedules major IT/telecommunications projects; ensures that new technologies are researched and evaluated in the light of the organisation’s broad requirements.

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Director, IT Director, managing, company, software Director, managing Director, product Director, technical, computer Director, technical Director, technical Director, telecommunications Director Director Director of communications Director of IT Head of computer services Head of ICT Head of information security Head of IT Head of technology Officer, information, chief Officer, technical, chief Owner 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Work Description

Job holders in this unit group perform a variety of tasks not elsewhere classified in MINOR GROUP 213: Information Technology and Telecommunication Professionals.

Qualification

Entrants usually possess a degree or equivalent qualification, although entry with other academic qualifications and/or significant relevant experience is possible. There is a variety of relevant vocational, professional and postgraduate qualifications available.

Job Tasks

undertakes the testing of software, systems or computer games for errors, identifies source of problems and proposes solutions; develops, implements and documents test plans for IT software, systems and computer games; develops quality standards and validation techniques; makes recommendations concerning software/system quality; examines IT system for potential threats to its security and integrity and draws up plans for disaster recovery if security is compromised; deals with and reports on breaches in security.

Related Jobs

Analyst, network Analyst, quality Analyst, risk, IT Analyst, security, cyber Analyst, security, information Analyst, security, IT Analyst, test, automation Analyst, test, software Analyst, test Auditor, IT Consultant, application Consultant, applications Consultant, business, IT Consultant, communications Consultant, computer Consultant, data Consultant, digital Consultant, IT Consultant, network Consultant, SAP Consultant, security, computer Consultant, security, cyber Consultant, security, information Consultant, security, IT Consultant, security, technical Consultant, services, network Consultant, support, technical Consultant, technical, computer Consultant, technical Consultant, technology, information Consultant, telecommunications Consultant, telecoms Consultant Designer, network Engineer, design, network Engineer, installation, network Engineer, integration, network Engineer, internet Engineer, network Engineer, project Engineer, projects Engineer, security, network Engineer, systems, network Engineer, test, software Engineer, test Evangelist, technical Evangelist, technology Facilitator, online Facilitator, on-line Hacker, ethical Manager, account Manager, security, data Manager, security, information Manager, security, IT Manager, security Officer, security, information Planner, IT Planner, network Planner, telecommunications Specialist, network Tester, penetration Tester, software Tester, systems 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Work Description

Telecommunications engineers install, maintain and repair public and private telephone systems and maintain, test and repair telecommunications cables.

Qualification

There are no formal academic requirements, although entrants typically possess GCSEs/S grades or an equivalent qualification. Apprenticeships and traineeships combining work experience and practical training are available at NVQ/SVQ Levels 2 and 3.

Job Tasks

installs internal cabling and wiring for telephone systems and fits and wires junction and distribution boxes; fixes connecting wires from underground and aerial lines to premises and connects cable terminals to inside wiring; installs telephones, switchboards and coin operated phone boxes; uses testing equipment to locate defective components of circuitry and makes any necessary repairs; tests installation and makes any further necessary adjustments; assists with the erection of wooden poles or steel towers to carry overhead lines; connects cables and tests for any defects; locates and repairs faults to lines and ancillary equipment; erects and maintains mobile telecommunications infrastructure.

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Connector, cable Controller, network Engineer, BSC Engineer, BSS Engineer, cable Engineer, data Engineer, exchange, telephone Engineer, field, service, home Engineer, field Engineer, IN Engineer, installation, cable Engineer, installation Engineer, installation Engineer, internet Engineer, line Engineer, maintenance Engineer, network, core Engineer, NOC Engineer, nos Engineer, NSS Engineer, optic, fibre Engineer, provisioning Engineer, service, customer Engineer, service Engineer, Sky Engineer, support Engineer, switch Engineer, technical Engineer, telecom Engineer, telecommunications Engineer, telegraph Engineer, telephone Engineer, telephony and IT communications Engineer, transmission Engineer, VAS Faultsman Fitter, cable Fitter, installation Fitter, maintenance Fitter, telephone Hand, maintenance Inspector, flight Installer, cable Installer, telecommunications Installer, telephone Installer Jointer, cable Jointer, conduit, electric Jointer, electric Jointer, electrical Jointer, wire Jointer Jointer Jointer Lineman, traction Linesman, telegraph Linesman, telephone Linesman Linesman Mechanic, telecommunications Mechanic, telephone Mechanic Officer, engineering Officer, maintenance Officer, network Officer, repeater Officer, survey Officer, technical, telecommunication Officer, technical Officer, testing, diagnostic Planner, band, wide Planner, transmission Plumber and jointer Probationer Puller, cable Repairer, cable Repairer, cord Repairer, wire Repairer T1 T2A T2B Technician, 1 Technician, 2A Technician, 2B Technician, electrical Technician, factory Technician, telecommunications Technician, telephone Technician Technician Technician Wireman, overhead Wireman, telephone Wireman Wireman Wirer Workman, skilled 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Work Description

Workers in this unit group receive and respond to telephone calls from potential clients and existing customers regarding the products and services offered by an organisation.

Qualification

There are no formal academic entry requirements, although many employers expect candidates to possess GCSEs/S grades. Training is typically provided on-the-job, supplemented by specialist short courses.

Job Tasks

answers incoming telephone calls from existing or prospective customers; interviews caller to establish the nature of any complaint or the requirements of the client; informs existing and potential customers on any immediate action to be taken, and refers the matter to a more senior member of staff if necessary; advises on services available and sells additional products or services; maintains details of calls received, the action taken as a result of a call and updates customer database as required; arranges for field staff to visit the caller if further assistance is required.

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Adviser, centre, call Adviser, centre, contact Adviser, communications Adviser, customer Adviser, lines, personal Adviser, management, customer Adviser, retention, sales Adviser, service, customer Adviser, telephone Agent, centre, call Agent, centre, contact Agent, enquiry Associate, collections Clerk, lines, personal Clerk, order, mail Clerk, telephone Handler, call Operative, centre, call Operative, service, customer Operator, callcentre Operator, centre, call Operator, centre, contact Operator, helpline Operator, line, answer Operator, response, serviceline Operator, response, tele Operator, service, customer Operator, services, customer Telephonist, centre, call 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Work Description

Telephonists receive and direct callers in commercial, industrial and other establishments, and operate telephone (public) and office (private) switchboards to advise on, and assist with, making telephone calls and to relay incoming, outgoing and internal calls.

Qualification

Academic qualifications may not be required. On-the-job training is provided.

Job Tasks

receives callers and directs them to appropriate person or department; operates switchboard to connect outgoing calls or to relay incoming or internal calls; reports any faults on telephone operating system; gives advice on dialling and other special features available; provides directory information, dialling codes and details of charges; alerts emergency services in cases of fire, crime or accident.

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Attendant, board, switch Attendant, telephone Handler, call Operative, telephone Operator, enquiry, directory Operator, night Operator, switchboard Operator, telephone Operator Telephonist, shorthand Telephonist Telephonist-clerk Telephonist-receptionist Telephonist-secretary Telephonist-typist 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Work Description

Job holders in this unit group operate telecommunications equipment to transmit and receive signals and messages.

Qualification

Academic qualifications may not be required. On-the-job training is provided.

Job Tasks

receives messages, weather reports and other material to transmit; tunes transmitter to required channel or wavelength and relays or receives message to/ from person or vehicle; uses a teleprinter or telex keyboard to transmit messages to other teleprinters or telexes; keeps record of messages sent and received; performs routine tests and maintenance on equipment and reports faults; receives and handles incoming calls for emergency services, transmitting to the appropriate services.

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Announcer Assistant, communications Assistant, control, ambulance Assistant, control, traffic, air Assistant, control Assistant, room, control Assistant, traffic Clerk, control, traffic, air Controller, ambulance Controller, cab Controller, communications Controller, divisional Controller, office, taxi Controller, radio Controller, service, transport, patient Controller, taxi Controller Controller Despatcher, radio Despatcher, room, control Dispatcher, medical, emergency Dispatcher, radio Dispatcher, taxi Dispatcher Handler, call Observer, radar Officer, communications Officer, control, fire Officer, control Officer, control Officer, deployment Officer, duty, emergency Officer, radio, police Officer, radio Officer, radio Officer, radio Officer, room, control Officer, telecommunications Officer, traffic, telecommunications Officer, traffic Operator, bureau Operator, cable Operator, centre, control Operator, communications Operator, control, fire Operator, despatch, aided, computer Operator, homecall Operator, lifeline Operator, radar Operator, radio Operator, room, control Operator, telecommunications Operator, telephone, radio Operator, teleprinter Operator, teletype Operator, telex Operator Overseer, radio Signalman, civilian Signalman, marine Signalman, port TTO Telegraphist 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Work Description

Market research interviewers conduct interviews to collect information on the opinions and preferences of consumers, businesses, the electorate and other selected groups.

Qualification

There are no formal academic entry requirements. Training is typically provided on-the-job. NVQs/ SVQs in Market Research (Interviewing) are available at Level 2.

Job Tasks

approaches members of the public, individuals, households and organisations to arrange and conduct face-to-face interviews, telephone interviews, focus groups, panel interviews etc.; records progress of interviews by noting answers, completing questionnaires, making audio or visual recordings or inputting responses into a computer; collects questionnaires, diaries, and other research materials left with interviewees and conducts follow-up interviews; collates and reviews information collected and compiles reports to pass back to the organisation/individual commissioning the market research.

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Assistant, research, marketing Canvasser, political Collector, data Enumerator, traffic Interviewer, commercial Interviewer, research, market Interviewer, telephone Interviewer Interviewer Investigator, research, market Representative, telesurveys Researcher, market Researcher, telephone Researcher Researcher Shopper, mystery 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Work Description

Job holders in this unit group perform a variety of customer service occupations not elsewhere classified in MINOR GROUP 721: Customer Service Occupations.

Qualification

There are no formal academic entry requirements, although many employers expect candidates to possess GCSEs/S grades. Training is typically provided on-the-job, supplemented by specialist short courses.

Job Tasks

receives enquiries from potential and existing clients, discusses requirements, and recommends products or services; discusses pricing processes with clients, agrees payment arrangements and handles customer accounts; makes reservations, books tickets, organises insurance policies on behalf of customers; follows up clients to ensure their satisfaction with a product or service and to gain renewal of customer service agreements; addresses customer complaints and problems; informs customers of special promotions and new product launches.

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Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Work Description

Workers in this unit group collect, receive, sort and deliver mail, documents, correspondence or messages, either between or within establishments.

Qualification

There are no formal academic entry requirements. A medical examination may be required. Entrants complete short induction courses followed by a programme of off- and on-the-job training. NVQs/ SVQs in Mail Operations are available at Levels 1 and 2.

Job Tasks

collects mail from post boxes, receives parcels, and collects correspondence, documents and other material from individuals, offices or other establishments; sorts mail, parcels and other incoming and outgoing material for delivery, and maintains records of material received and despatched; delivers mail, parcels, correspondence and other materials to specified or agreed routes and schedules; completes delivery forms, collects charges, and issues receipts for the collection and delivery of registered or recorded mail and other items.

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Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

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