TeleCommunications Apprenticeship

More about what a TeleCommunications Installer/Tech does:

While the Inside Wireman is installing the conduit and power feeders on a project, the Installer Technician is working beside the Wireman, installing the network of low voltage cabling that is used for video, voice and data or other low voltage signaling.

While most installations are in buildings that are partially or fully enclosed to protect from sun, wind and rain; these installations are often installed before air conditioning, heat or permanent light fixtures have been installed in the buildings. Many jobs, however, are in existing buildings or offices; and some work may be outside under varying weather conditions.

Backbone voice and data cables are routed between the entrance facility, where communications signals enter a building: to equipment rooms and telephone rooms. Voice and data horizontal cables are routed between telephone rooms or equipment rooms and individual workstations throughout the building.

Equipment rooms often contain energized equipment such as hubs, file servers or telephone switches. These devices are configured and connected to the communications network that serves the building, and must not be interrupted as a result of work performed by unqualified workers or those only partially trained.

The Installer Technician installs voice and data outlets at workstations. In addition, they install punch down blocks and cross connects in telephone rooms. These may be wall mounted or rack mounted, and must be grouped and identified according to specific installation standards. Whether the work is in new construction or in existing office or manufacturing space, the IBEW-NECA craftsman takes pride in the work he or she has and can performed.

The NJATC trains to TIA/EIA and other industry Standards. The NJATC also partners with the major manufacturers in the video, voice and data industry to assure training in the latest technologies including training for manufacturers warranted installs.

Job Description

Many of the work processes of the Installer Technician are listed below. There are many systems that utilize low voltage video, voice or data signals. Not all Installer Technicians work on all systems. However, properly trained Installer Technicians can work on a variety of types of systems, including systems for video, voice and data.

Plan and Initiate Projects

Install Underground Voice or Data Circuit Feeders to Entrance Facilities

Provide or Connect to the Grounding Electrode System

Install Pathways and Spaces for Installation of Low Voltage Wiring

Install, Terminate and Test Wires and Cables, both Copper and Fiber-Optic

Install, Test, Certify and Troubleshoot Local Area Network (LAN) Cabling Systems

Lay Out, Install and Verify Operation of Security and Access Control Systems

Install Communications and Sound Distribution Systems

Provide Testing, Analysis and Repair of Video, Voice and Data Systems; including Electronic Devices such as Gateways, Routers, Hubs, NIC Cards, Telephone Switches, etc.

Prefabricate Systems, such as Telecommunications Racks, for Field Installation

Work on other Sub-systems such as Communications, Entertainment, Environmental, Life Safety, Energy Management and Custom Lighting