Telecom Careers: Connect the World
Telecommunication technology providers are transitioning from 4G to 5G and expanding broadband capabilities, creating faster connections for the virtual world. As companies expand cellular networks across the country, skilled workers are needed to design, install, operate, and maintain telecom systems.
Find out more below about NWTC programs to help you prepare for these in-demand careers.
Join a Growing Broadband Industry
- Brown County working on $27.2 million loan to expand high speed internet access – Fox 11 News
- Wisconsin awards $125M in rural internet service grants. Which communities will receive higher speeds? – Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
- TDS Breaks Ground on All-Fiber Network Project in Green Bay - WNCY
- Connecting Workers and Communities: Preparing and Supporting the Broadband Workforce - Brookings Institute
- Investments in broadband access push for total connectivity - Wisconsin Public Radio
Gain Hands-On Wireless Industry Skills and Knowledge
Telecommunications Fiber Optic Design certificate
This certificate, which can be completed in 3/4 of a typical school year, provides a fast track toward a broadband network design career. The program covers project data collection, computer aided drafting, telecom project engineering and design principles.
Telecommunications Fiber Optic Engineering Technician technical diploma
Can be completed in one year. This technical diploma program focuses on the design, theories, and hands-on installation of fiber optic and broadband networks.
Telecommunications Tower Technician 1 certificate
This certificate program instructs students on safety, basic rigging and fall protection, principles of electricity, fiber optics, wireless technology, cell components, antenna basics, and spectrum management.
Telecommunications Engineering Technician associate degree
Can be completed in two years. This program gives students an encompassing education of broadband networks we all rely on, from the towers to the internet servers and everything in between.
About the Telecom Programs
Each credential transfers into the next. You could start with a certificate, jump into a career, then continue with the diploma and/or degree to increase your employment opportunities and earning potential whenever it works for you.
Or, start with the degree or diploma program. You’ll automatically earn the other credential(s) as you progress through the program(s).
Tip: Many employers pay for continuing education. Work in the career field while pursuing your degree – and having your employer pay part or all of your education!
Top 4 Reasons to Choose a Telecom Career
- Earn a $40,000 to $60,000 starting salary*, with higher earning potential as you advance your career.
- Feel like you’re getting paid to travel. Your employer could send you to build 5G towers in Texas, maintain services in Alaska, or design cellular infrastructure systems on the East Coast, for example. (Many opportunities are also available close to home!)
- Challenge yourself in a hands-on career. If you enjoy working outdoors and can’t imagine yourself in a desk job, telecom could be a good fit.
- Do something that matters. In an increasingly virtual world, you can help connect people through telecommunications – voice, video, data, internet.
*Salary information from Glassdoor.