Telephone Systems Installers and Repairers set up, test, and repair telephone switching equipment and switchboards used to select, connect, and disconnect telephone lines. They work in a telephone company central office or on a customer's premises.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Telephone Systems Installers may:

Install preassembled or partially assembled switching equipment, switchboards, wiring frames, and power apparatus according to floor plans

Complete assembly of the equipment

Route cables and trunklines from entry points to the proper equipment

Connect electric and telephone cables and trunklines to the proper equipment by wrapping or soldering electric cables and color-coded phone wires to terminals

Interconnect various types of equipment, such as incoming, outgoing, and ringing and repeating equipment

Install wires on an intermediate distributing frame for existing telephone numbers or place an intercept circuit on terminals if the line is vacant, if in a central office

Install small amperage fuses and resistance coils (circuit surge-protection devices)

Test the operation of equipment and adjust it to ensure proper functioning

Installers of computerized electronic switching systems (ESS) may not perform all of the duties listed above. For example, all telephone lines are rewired within the computerized equipment and are activated electronically. Also, ESS equipment is self-testing and provides error reports automatically.

Telephone Systems Repairers may:

Determine the nature of the problem

Isolate and analyze the malfunction to determine the method of repair

Secure the proper type of testing equipment for the problem and locate the exact electrical, electronic, or mechanical failures in equipment

Replace or repair equipment, such as switches, relays, amplifiers, and, if ESS equipment, replace circuit boards or correct the computer's programming to eliminate the problem

Test completed work to ensure that the problem has been eliminated

Tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Telephone Systems Installers and Repairers may specialize in these areas:

822.361-014 CENTRAL-OFFICE INSTALLERS install equipment used to select, connect, and disconnect telephone lines in the central office of a telephone company.

822.381-018 PRIVATE-BRANCH-EXCHANGE INSTALLERS install telephone switchboards and specialized communications equipment on the customer's premises.

822.281-014 CENTRAL-OFFICE REPAIRERS test, analyze defects, and repair telephone circuits and equipment in the central office of a telephone company.

822.281-022 PRIVATE-BRANCH-EXCHANGE REPAIRERS analyze and repair defects in communication equipment such as telephone switchboards, teletypewriters, and mobile radiophones on the customer's premises.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Most Telephone Systems Installers and Repairers work alone with little or no direct supervision. Some Installers work as members of a crew at new building construction sites. Most Installers and Repairers also work indoors in clean, well lighted, air-conditioned offices. Installers of new equipment may be exposed to changing weather conditions, dirt, and dust.

Installers and Repairers work with live electrical circuits, but the voltage is low enough to avoid many shocks. Workers avoid injuries by using caution and following safety rules when climbing ladders, using power tools, and soldering equipment, or performing other hazardous tasks.

Telephone Systems Installers and Repairers generally work a 5-day, 40-hour week. They also work in shifts and on weekends and holidays. Workers might work overtime to complete a project on schedule or to provide continuous service. Telephone workers might be sent to other states when disasters occur.

Workers usually furnish their own work clothes, but employers provide almost all tools and safety equipment.

Workers employed by large telephone companies generally belong to the Communications Workers of America of the AFL-CIO. Those working for smaller, independent companies may belong to independent unions of to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Union members must pay membership fees and dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities dealing with things and objects

• Activities which are nonsocial

• Activities which involve the use of machines, processes, or methods

• Activities that bring satisfaction from working on or producing

things

You Should Be Able To:

• Rate information using standards that can be measured or checked

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often

• See detail in objects or drawings

• Recognize slight differences in shapes or shadings

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If a spool of telephone wire has a diameter of 1 foot and the wire is wrapped around this spool 500 times, how long is the telephone wire?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

The units for resistance can be termed as volts per ampere. This combined unit is called an ohm.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report to your supervisor explaining any malfunction that you had to deal with on the job.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to detect a malfunction in the system and then decide the best way to alleviate it.

Most telephone companies require applicants for craft jobs to take tests which measure their aptitude for the work and their ability to learn the skills needed for the job. Telephone Systems Installers and Repairers whose work requires them to travel to different job sites must have a valid driver's license. Some companies require applicants to have formal electronics training and pass a background investigation for craft jobs.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer; a High School Diploma or Equivalent; a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school); an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

033 ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS REPAIR

Approved vocational education programs in Electrical and Electronics repair prepare students to test, install, maintain, and repair electrical and electronics systems and components. These programs generally prepare students to operate, maintain, and repair electronic business machines, communications equipment, large and small appliances, and vending machines. Instruction includes the use of testing equipment.

The following courses may be required for completion of this program:

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

056 ELECTRO-MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY

Approved vocational education programs in Electro-Mechanical Technology train students in electronics, communications, electricity, automation/ maintenance, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Students are allowed to select courses from more than one area of study. The 2 phase program teaches foundation skills as well as a common set of electro- mechanical skills which are generic to all like occupations.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

196 ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION & REPAIR

Programs in Electrical and Electronics Equipment Installation and Repair provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment installing, servicing, maintaining, and/or repairing electrical and electronics systems, machines, appliances, and related equipment.

Courses within this program will vary but may include:

             Search for a College and/or Instructional Program      

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military website at http://www.myfuture.com

COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT REPAIRERS

The military relies on communication equipment to link ground, sea, and air forces. This equipment allows the military to track and direct troop, aircraft, and ship movements. Communications equipment repairers ensure this equipment operates properly.

What They Do

Communications equipment repairers in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Maintain, test, and repair communications equipment using frequency meters, circuit analyzers, and other electrical and electronic test equipment

• Install and repair circuits and wiring using solder iron and hand tools

• Calibrate and align equipment components using scales, gauges, and other measuring instruments

• String overhead communications and electric cables between utility poles

Physical Demands

For some specialties, normal color vision is required. Some repairers may work from ladders or on tall utility poles.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include math, electricity or electronics repair, and shop mechanics. Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in working with electrical, electronic, and electromechanical equipment

• Interest in solving problems

Special Requirements

Although there are women communications equipment repairers, some specialties in this occupation are open only to men.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian communications equipment repairers often work for firms that design and make communications and electronic equipment. They may also work for the federal government. They perform duties similar to military communications equipment repairers. They may be called radio repairers, radio mechanics, teletype repairers, or station installers and repairers, depending on their specialty.

Work Environment

Communications equipment repairers usually work in repair shops, laboratories, and outdoors, depending on the specialty.

Training Provided

Job training consists of 8 to 40 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice with equipment. Course content typically includes:

• Mechanical, electronic, and electrical principles

• Preventive maintenance procedures

• Line installation and wiring techniques

• Communication security policies and procedures

The Army, Navy, and Marine Corps offer certified apprenticeship training programs for some specialties in this occupation.

Opportunities

The services have about 40,200 communications equipment repairers. On average, the services need about 2,400 new repairers each year. After job training, repairers make simple repairs or installations under close supervision. With experience, they perform more difficult repairs and train other repair personnel. Eventually, they may become supervisors of communications units or maintenance shops.

  E-Learning Courses and Programs  

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Training and experience as a Telephone Systems Installer and Repairer may be obtained through any branch of military service. Apprenticeship programs, in civilian life, offer experience also. Secondary vocational education and postsecondary education programs in electrical and electronics equipment installation and repair might include practical experience relating to this occupation.

                School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Telephone Systems Installer and Repairer employer

internships

volunteer work with a Telephone Systems Installer and Repairer employer

community service work with an agency

There are many different telephone companies in each state, with different hiring requirements. To find employment as a Systems Installer or Repairer, apply directly to an employer. Assistance might be obtained from local offices of Michigan Works!. Also, these jobs may be listed in newspaper want ads. Some people enter this occupation through a formal apprenticeship program.

Because this is one of the highest paid craft jobs available in phone companies, many current employees of those companies try to enter the occupation. Some companies, therefore, have a policy of hiring only from within. To become a Telephone Systems Installer and Repairer, you might have to begin in a lower-skilled job, such as frame wirer or residential telephone installer. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank

America's Job Bank

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo! Careers 

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Telephone Systems Installers and Repairers depend on the amount of experience, skill level of the job, the particular company, and the geographic location of employment.

Nationally, Telephone Installers and Repairers, most of whom were Telephone Systems Installers and Repairers, had median weekly earnings of $750 in 1998 or $18.75 per hour.

Base weekly earnings for Telephone Systems Installers and Repairers working for one major telephone company in Michigan in late 1999 were:

Workers generally receive a pay raise every 6 months and reach the maximum pay rate after 5 years. In addition to their base rates, workers receive a cost-of-living adjustment which is based on the consumer price index. Installers and Repairers working evenings and nights receive a shift premium.

Depending on the employer, Telephone Systems Installers and Repairers may receive 1 1/2 or 2 times their base hourly rate for overtime. Nationally, one large company paid 1 1/2 times the base rate for up to 8 hours of overtime per week and 2 times the base rate for overtime exceeding 8 hours per week.

Most Telephone Systems Installers and Repairers receive paid vacations and holidays; life, health, accident, and disability insurance; retirement plans; and sick pay. These benefits are paid for, at least in part, by the employer. Some Installers and Repairers may also receive dental and vision insurance.

Telephone Systems Installer and Repairer trainees are usually chosen from the ranks of telephone company employees, such as operators, clerical workers, line installers, or station installers.

An Installer might advance to Repairer and possibly to supervisor. The usual requirements for promotion are experience, on-the-job training, and successful completion of company classroom training programs.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Approximately 80,900 Telephone Systems Installers and Repairers were employed nationally in 1996. Employment is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2006. Almost all worked for telephone companies, except for a small percentage (3.8%), who were self employed. As the technology for this area is improved, there will be fewer people needed to perform the same tasks.

About 800 Telephone Systems Installers and Repairers are employed in Michigan. All worked for telephone utility companies. Most worked in or near urban areas housing telephone company central offices and large firms and industries. A few worked in rural areas mostly in small independent telephone companies.

Employment of Telephone Systems Installers and Repairers in Michigan is expected to decline through the year 2005. An average of 30 annual openings is expected due to the need to replace those who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons.

Technological developments, such as electronic switching systems in central offices, have greatly reduced the number of Central Office Installers and Repairers needed. One person with an electronic background and familiarity with computers can now do the work previously done by five people or more. Line testing is now performed automatically by the computer and repair may be as simple as replacing an integrated circuit.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.