The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Telecoms Apprenticeship Programme
2-3 yearsSkills to master
- Practical field skills, basic network troubleshooting, safety protocols, equipment handling, foundational 5G knowledge.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently completing field tasks accurately and independently.
- Demonstrating a solid grasp of basic 5G concepts and terminology.
- Proactively identifying minor issues and suggesting simple solutions.
- Receiving positive feedback on teamwork and communication.
- 2
Field Technician (Non-Telecoms Background)
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Adapting existing field experience (e.g., electrical, IT support) to telecoms-specific equipment and procedures, learning RF safety and measurement techniques.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully transitioning existing skills to our specific 5G environment.
- Quickly learning and applying new telecoms-specific technical knowledge.
- Showing initiative in understanding 5G network components and functions.
- Reliably performing all assigned 5G field tasks without constant supervision.
- 3
Recent Graduate (Engineering/IT)
0-1 yearSkills to master
- Translating theoretical knowledge into practical field application, hands-on equipment operation, understanding operational workflows, developing problem-solving skills in a live network.
You're ready to move on when
- Applying academic knowledge to real-world network scenarios.
- Quickly becoming proficient with field test equipment and software.
- Demonstrating strong analytical skills in interpreting initial field data.
- Building effective working relationships with field and NOC teams.