Cable Television Technicians

Cable television technicians use their manual and mechanical skills to install cable, diagnose the source of the problem when the cable fails, and repair or replace it as necessary. Cable television technicians are experienced in lifting and carrying heavy equipment and working in cramped spaces. Potential cable television technicians combine manual dexterity, athletic ability, a fix-it mentality, and a knack for receiving and giving information so that problems that arise on the job can be resolved successfully.

Cable television technicians learn about electricity and electronics either on the job or through a vocational program, community college, or experience in the Armed Forces. Future telecommunication equipment installers and repairers television may also enter the workforce through an apprenticeship, which may last up to five years and combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training.

Skillful telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, including cable television technicians, need to be able to assemble electrical components, subsystems, and systems. In addition, they should be fully trained and competent in installing programs onto computer and computer-controlled equipment, be facile in rewiring electrical and electronic systems, and be able to comprehend and enter accurate coding into computers and other equipment.

Efficient telecommunications equipment installers and repairers must be willing and able to confer with more experienced coworkers to resolve the seemingly inevitable installation and repair problems that develop when working with advanced telecommunications equipment and delivery systems.

Finally, you'll have much public contact, so you'll need good people skills. You must be helpful and courteous. You may need to explain cable system operations and costs to customers, answer questions, and analyze customer descriptions of problems so repairs and other work can be done. The ability to communicate well with others is essential.