Additional Information
Most telecom technician positions require formal schooling. Many technical
colleges in Canada and the U.S. offer both one- and two-year programs. And
some technicians now get bachelor's degrees in engineering, specializing in
telecommunications design.
Sheri Sharp is a vice-president of new product engineering and operations
for a large American cable television network that is currently moving into
high-tech phone services.
Sharp says her company hires workers who worked in the military or who
have some kind of technical degree, including bachelor's degrees. "Bachelor's
degrees are always nice," she says.
Training includes the study of the following subjects: mathematics, physics,
electricity, electronics, schematic reading and troubleshooting.
Most importantly, you must stay on top of trends and technology as the
industry changes. Lynda Leonard works with an information technology association.
Leonard says you do not want to become a specialist in just one area. She
says you must constantly update your skills and education.
"It's not what it was," says Leonard. "Next year it's not going to be what
it is this year. So embrace change. Be an agent for it."