A Telecommunications Engineer designs, develops, installs and manages systems that transmit communication information. They work with high-speed data networks, satellite communication, telephone services, radio and digital television.
Telecommunications Engineer
Learn more
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Entry-level QualificationsEntry-level Qualifications
Good GCSEs 9-4 (A-C) in maths, science, and English.
A-levels or an equivalent level 3 qualification in maths or physics.
BTEC diplomas in engineering are also acceptable.
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Career PathCareer Path
Begin as an apprentice or trainee telecom engineer with a company.
After gaining experience, you can become a fully qualified telecom engineer.
With further experience and possibly additional qualifications, you can progress to become a senior or lead engineer.
In some companies, you could move into a management position, or into related areas like network design or telecoms project management.
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ApprenticeshipsApprenticeships
Intermediate apprenticeship (Level 2) as a Telecoms Field Operative.
Advanced apprenticeship (Level 3) in Network Telecoms and Systems Engineering.
More information: National Apprenticeship Service
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Degree PathsDegree Paths
BEng or MEng in Telecommunications Engineering.
BEng or MEng in Electronic Engineering.
Some universities offer postgraduate courses in telecommunications or electronics.
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Starting SalaryStarting Salary
Trainee or apprentice telecoms engineers can expect to earn between £12,000 and £20,000 per year.
Qualified telecoms engineers can expect to start on around £20,000 to £30,000 per year.
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Potential EarningsPotential Earnings
With experience, this can rise to between £35,000 and £60,000 per year.
Senior or management positions can earn up to £70,000 per year.
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Further InformationFurther Information
The Institution of Engineering and Technology provides resources and support for telecoms engineers.
Prospects.ac.uk provides information on careers in telecommunications engineering, including job profiles and case studies.
-
Entry-level QualificationsEntry-level Qualifications
Good GCSEs 9-4 (A-C) in maths, science, and English.
A-levels or an equivalent level 3 qualification in maths or physics.
BTEC diplomas in engineering are also acceptable.
-
Career PathCareer Path
Begin as an apprentice or trainee telecom engineer with a company.
After gaining experience, you can become a fully qualified telecom engineer.
With further experience and possibly additional qualifications, you can progress to become a senior or lead engineer.
In some companies, you could move into a management position, or into related areas like network design or telecoms project management.
-
ApprenticeshipsApprenticeships
Intermediate apprenticeship (Level 2) as a Telecoms Field Operative.
Advanced apprenticeship (Level 3) in Network Telecoms and Systems Engineering.
More information: National Apprenticeship Service
-
Degree PathsDegree Paths
BEng or MEng in Telecommunications Engineering.
BEng or MEng in Electronic Engineering.
Some universities offer postgraduate courses in telecommunications or electronics.
-
Starting SalaryStarting Salary
Trainee or apprentice telecoms engineers can expect to earn between £12,000 and £20,000 per year.
Qualified telecoms engineers can expect to start on around £20,000 to £30,000 per year.
-
Potential EarningsPotential Earnings
With experience, this can rise to between £35,000 and £60,000 per year.
Senior or management positions can earn up to £70,000 per year.
-
Further InformationFurther Information
The Institution of Engineering and Technology provides resources and support for telecoms engineers.
Prospects.ac.uk provides information on careers in telecommunications engineering, including job profiles and case studies.