Data and Voice Communications Apprenticeship

A telecommunications apprenticeship provides hands-on experience and training in the fields of data and voice communication technologies.

This specialist electrical apprenticeship typically involves learning about the installation, maintenance, and repair of communication systems, including telephone, data, and broadband networks.

Hands-on training includes installing, testing, and maintaining telecommunication systems. This often includes working with cables (like fibre optic and copper), networking hardware, and troubleshooting various communication issues.

An apprenticeship in telecommunications take approximately 3-4 years and includes paid work with a Host Company and study of a nationally accredited qualification, such as UEE30420 Certificate III in Data and Voice Communications.

This qualification is included on the Government’s Australian Apprenticeships Priority List which attracts financial incentives for eligible apprentices. Additional support payments are available for data and voice communications apprentices working in the new energy sector.

The key aspects of a telecommunication technician include:

• Installing and configuring voice and data communication equipment, including laying cables (such as fibre optic, coaxial, or copper), setting up routers, switches, and other networking devices
• Maintaining communication systems to ensure they are functioning correctly, which involves diagnosing and fixing network faults 
• Diagnosing and repairing breakdowns and system failures by repairing or replacing faulty hardware and reconfiguring software settings
• Upgrading existing communication systems to newer technologies, such as replacing old cables with fibre optic cables for faster data transmission, or upgrading network hardware for increased efficiency and capacity

Training in this field leads to a number of job outcomes including Telecommunications Technician, Cable Jointer, Linesworker, Line Mechanic, and Cabler.

A qualified telecommunications technician in Australia can typically earn $100,000 to $120,000, depending on their industry and areas of specialisation. (Seek)

Apprentices in this field are paid under the Electrical Award or above, depending on the employer.

Indicative wages for a data and voice communications apprentice in 2024:

• Aged under 17 years: $555.63 to $897.27 per week

• Aged 17 to 20 years: $609.01 to $897.27 per week

• Aged over 21 years: $875.93 to $956.20 per week

The qualifications typically studied under a Data and Voice Communications Apprenticeship are included on the Government's Australian Apprenticeship Priority List, providing additional support payments to eligible apprentices.

A data and voice communications apprenticeship is best suited to individuals interested in technology, problem-solving, and hands-on work in the evolving field of communication technology.

You will need to be tech-savvy and have:

• Excellent communication skills
• Problem solving skills
• Attention to detail
• High safety awareness