Telecoms

Careers

If you’re thinking of a future role that involves you with technology at the cutting edge and where constant change is on the menu, why not connect with a fast-moving career in the telecoms industry?

What’s involved?

Telecommunications is a diverse, rapidly evolving, and competitive industry with a wide array of career opportunities. It has been fundamentally transformed by advances in communication technology, such as 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT), and fiber-optic networks. As a result, telecoms today is more integrated with IT than ever before, with many of the new technologies using broadband data networks to carry high volumes of multimedia traffic. This shift has broadened the range of skills required and reshaped the available job roles.

While traditional phone calls remain a part of the industry, they are no longer the primary revenue driver. Today, the focus has moved towards data services such as messaging, email, video streaming, and cloud-based applications. High-speed internet access, including fiber broadband and 5G, powers a wide range of data-intensive applications like remote work solutions, interactive entertainment, and smart home technologies. The fastest growth is now coming from value-added services delivered over mobile and broadband networks, reflecting the broader transition to a digital-first world. 

If you’re thinking ahead to a career in telecoms as you prepare to transition out of the armed forces, becoming familiar with the term ‘information and communication technology (ICT)’ is essential. The convergence of IT and telecoms demands skills that were traditionally more IT-oriented, such as cloud computing, network security, and data analytics. Understanding these changes can help you navigate the shift toward roles that require a blend of technical expertise and adaptability.

Like in the IT sector, business acumen and strong interpersonal skills are increasingly important in telecoms. Whether managing client relationships, providing customer support, or working as part of a technical team, your ability to communicate effectively will be a valuable asset.

The merging of the telecoms and IT industries has also blurred the lines between voice and data communications. Today, both types of traffic often share the same digital networks and infrastructure, making it crucial to understand the principles of modern networking and data management.

Mobile telecoms

To most people, mobile telecoms means mobile phones and smartphones, connected through the extensive network of masts and antennas that you see everywhere. These networks rely on a combination of terrestrial infrastructure and satellites to deliver services, ensuring coverage across urban and remote areas. The transition from 4G to 5G technology is well underway, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and the capacity to connect a far greater number of devices. This shift is critical for enabling advancements like autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and augmented reality applications.

Satellite communication plays a key role in mobile networks, particularly in areas where terrestrial infrastructure is sparse or unavailable, such as rural or remote regions. The rise of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites is also making high-speed mobile internet more accessible globally, complementing ground-based networks. Digital TV also benefits from these technologies, utilizing both satellite and cable services to provide high-definition broadcasts to homes and businesses. Meanwhile, 5G-enabled smartphones and tablets are now ubiquitous, offering users the ability to stream, game, and work seamlessly on the go.

Fixed telecoms

Fixed telecoms include all the infrastructure necessary to operate local area networks (LANs) or wide area networks (WANs), as well as the connections between them. These networks serve as the backbone for business services, internet access, television, and more, providing a stable and reliable means of transmitting voice, data, and video.

One of the biggest advancements in fixed telecoms has been the shift from traditional copper cables to fiber-optic technology. Fiber-optic cables, capable of transmitting data at incredibly high speeds over long distances, have largely replaced the old copper infrastructure. This upgrade is crucial for supporting modern applications such as cloud computing, high-definition video streaming, and virtual collaboration tools, which require fast and reliable internet connections. Fiber-optic networks are becoming the norm for residential broadband as well, offering speeds that enable everything from online education to remote work.

For those transitioning from military roles, experience with secure network setups, radio communications, or satellite systems can translate well to managing or maintaining the physical infrastructure of fixed telecoms. Understanding how to work with fiber-optic systems, as well as the protocols for LANs and WANs, can be particularly valuable.

Networks

Telecoms networks are complex systems, with multiple commercial organizations often involved in providing and maintaining the network infrastructure. Signals typically pass through a series of switches, routers, and transmission links, some of which are owned by different companies but leased to service providers. This allows telecom companies to deliver services over a shared infrastructure, enabling users to communicate efficiently across vast distances.

With the rise of 5G and advanced fiber-optic networks, modern telecoms networks can manage an enormous volume of data traffic. For example, a smartphone call or video stream is just one of millions of messages or data packets being transmitted simultaneously. These packets are routed by the network's owners using sophisticated algorithms that determine the fastest and most efficient path through the network, ensuring that the end user experiences minimal delays.

Armed forces personnel with a background in secure communications and understanding of encryption, routing, and satellite links may find their skills highly applicable to roles within network management. With the increasing focus on network security due to the rise in cyber threats, expertise in protecting data as it moves across these shared networks is especially sought after in today’s telecoms sector.

Skill up while serving

During their time in the armed forces, personnel often gain a range of technical and soft skills that are highly valuable in the telecommunications industry. Many service members gain substantial expertise in communications and electronics through practical experience and formal training, such as managing secure communication networks, operating radio and satellite systems, or overseeing critical IT infrastructure. If you have specialized in telecoms or electronics, you likely possess transferable skills in areas like network management, radio and satellite communications, and cybersecurity. These skills can align well with industry roles such as network engineering, technical support, and cybersecurity within civilian telecom networks, including those focused on 5G and fiber-optic systems.

Even without a highly technical background, transitioning into the telecoms industry is possible thanks to the core skills developed during military service. Adaptability, problem-solving, and the ability to work under pressure are crucial in a fast-changing industry where service issues must be resolved quickly. For roles that involve the physical setup and maintenance of telecoms equipment, skills like physical fitness and working safely at heights can be particularly beneficial. Additionally, leveraging Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) to earn industry-recognized certifications like CompTIA Network+ or Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) can further boost job prospects, helping to bridge any technical gaps. Combining these qualities with targeted certifications and a solid understanding of modern telecoms technology can pave the way for a successful career in this dynamic field.

TRANSLATE YOUR SKILLS

You need to discover the area of telecoms that is right for you, and for which you can reasonably expect to have the necessary qualifications and background. There is a wide range of resettlement training courses in this sector, but it’s a good idea to talk with people already working in the industry to try to establish a reasonable starting point based on your skills and experience. You should then look for the courses and training that suit you. The key is to start early and take suitable training, so that this can be enhanced by self study, academic qualifications and, ideally, an industry placement.

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Get qualified!

As noted above, you can gain qualifications through your employment and personal development while still serving. These are likely to be primarily to do with the theory necessary to use equipment, its actual use, and how to pass on that knowledge to others. The academic background and the principles of certain equipment use will be highly relevant to future employment, so your aim should be to build up these qualifications. If your career path does not include such courses, look at day release, evening classes, open learning and the internet for opportunities to learn before you leave.

Which course?

• Level 3 Diploma in Telecommunication Systems: A foundational qualification that covers the basics of telecommunications, ideal for those new to the industry or looking to formalize their skills.
• Level 3 (NVQ) Diploma in Cabling Installations: Focuses on the practical skills needed to install and maintain cabling infrastructure, including fiber optics, which is critical for modern telecom networks.
• Level 3 (NVQ) Certificate in Rail Engineering Telecoms Installer: Specializes in telecoms systems within the rail sector, ideal for those interested in the unique challenges of rail communication systems.
• HND in Electrical or Electronic Engineering (Communication): Provides a deeper understanding of the technical aspects of communication systems, making it a solid choice for those aiming for more technical roles.
• Foundation Degree, HND, or Degree in Telecommunications, Data Communications, or Digital Communications: These higher education courses offer a more comprehensive exploration of telecoms and data communication, often leading to advanced roles in design, engineering, or management.

• Diploma in Engineering Computer Systems and Telecoms: A broader course that combines IT and telecoms knowledge, equipping you to handle complex systems and their integration.
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in ICT Systems and Principles, or Networking and Systems Support: These courses provide a solid grounding in networking and ICT, which is particularly valuable for roles in network management and support.
• NVQ Level 2 Installing Structured Cabling Systems: Ideal for those looking to enter the field with practical skills in structured cabling, which is foundational to building robust telecom infrastructure.
• Short Online Courses: Courses like a seven-hour online program focusing on voice switching, telephony, and VoIP are ideal for those looking to gain targeted knowledge in niche areas. These can be a cost-effective way to upskill while working.

For those looking to further enhance their skills, short and longer-term training options are available:

• Short Courses (1-5 days): These can cover a range of topics, including wireless communications, IP networks, and traffic engineering. These courses are ideal for quickly gaining an introduction to a specific area or refreshing your existing knowledge. Costs typically range from £600 for a one-day course to £1,400 for a four- or five-day program, and they can be tailored to meet specific industry needs.
• Longer Part-Time or Full-Time Courses: These include BTEC diplomas or apprenticeships, such as the IT and Telecoms Professional Intermediate or Advanced Apprenticeship. Typically lasting at least one year, these programs combine classroom learning with hands-on experience, often requiring qualifications like five GCSEs or equivalent.
• Advanced Qualifications: For those aiming for higher-level roles, degrees in Electronics with Satellite Engineering, master’s degrees such as Telecommunication Engineering, or doctorates in fields like Intelligent Systems and Networks can be pursued. Professional doctorates are particularly suited for those looking to enter industry roles directly. These programs may require A-levels for degree entry or a degree for master's or PhD study, though Access to HE Diplomas can provide an alternative route. Costs for these qualifications range from £10,000 to £60,000, with potential funding options available. These advanced studies can lead to management, consultancy, or research roles within the telecoms industry.

Use your ELC

Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of learning can be taken, provided it is offered by an approved provider listed on the ELC website and is at level 3 or above. For full details of how to make the most of your ELC, refer to the in-depth features elsewhere on this website.

STUDY ONLINE IF IT SUITS YOU

A huge number of telecoms-related courses and qualifications are available to study online so there’s no obstacle to the acquisition of the skills you’ll need to work in this sector. Nevertheless it’s still wise to confirm with training providers that the course(s) you are interested in can be completed fully online.

Finding employment

There are various ways in to the industry. To become a telecommunications technician for instance (see panel), you may be able to complete an apprenticeship with an electronics, telecoms or IT company. Vacancies in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. Alternatively, you may be able to get a trainee position with an installation company if you already have experience and/or qualifications in electronic or electrical engineering, or servicing. If not, you could take a college course to gain qualifications in these areas.

Some websites where you can look for job vacancies are:

• Electronics Weekly Jobs
• Engineering & Technology Jobs
• The Engineer Jobs
• Technojobs.

Specialist recruitment agencies may also look to fill vacancies.

As data (IT) and telecommunications systems continue to merge, demand is increasing for technicians who have skills in both fields, especially wireless broadband technologies and VoIP. Typical employers include telephone and broadband network providers, mobile phone operators, cable, satellite and digital TV companies, rail signal engineering and power transmission companies. There may also be opportunities with the Ministry of Defence, the police and emergency services.

With more experience, you could progress to network planning and design, the research and development of new products, and project management.

Networking is important, so make an effort to establish contacts during any placement or temporary work. It is also a good idea to try to make contacts at employer presentations and engineering careers fairs.

TELECOMS APPRENTICESHIPS
As mentioned above, this industry offers a host of highly relevant apprenticeships at different levels, covering a wide range of job roles such as field engineer, splicer, fibre technician and civil engineer. The ‘Telecom apprenticeships’ page of the Find Apprenticeships website is a good place to gather more information and to start your search. Alternatively, use your favourite search engine to discover more options or browse the government’s apprenticeship website, which allows you to search for apprenticeship opportunities by area of interest and location.

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The telecoms industry is characterised by constant change and evolution, which is why it is crucial for telecoms professionals (potential and current) to keep up to date with the latest developments. To keep abreast of what’s happening in the industry, visit the Total Telecom website and sign up to its free newsletter service.