Tech Directions - February 2008 - (Page 25)

The Job Cable technicians generally start out as system installers. Installers prepare a subscriber’s home for cable reception by connecting the cable system to one or more television sets or to one or more computers for high-speed Internet service. Installers explain to subscribers how the cable system operates, answer questions, and offer advice on upgrades and downgrades. Installers may also be responsible for servicing feeder lines, which connect the main cable to small groups of homes, and droplines, which are the direct cable lines to a subscriber’s home. In general, installers perform light troubleshooting work when customers have minor problems with their cable units. Some technicians perform a specific type of work, rather than a full range of tasks. Following are some specialized positions. ● Trunk technicians continuously maintain the main (or trunk) line of the cable system. This work is very important because the trunk line is the main artery of a cable system and a malfunction could shut down service in a large area. Trunk technicians are responsible for correcting any technical failure in the trunk line, the feeder amplifier, or the booster. These techs must have more advanced technical skills than installers. ● Headend technicians and microwave technicians check that the equipment providing input to the cable television system is working properly. The headend, or control center of a cable television system, is where incoming signals are amplified, converted, processed, and combined into a common cable. Headend technicians may be the chief technician in some companies. Many electronics technicians work as headend techs. ● Service technicians respond to problems with subscriber’s cable reception. They work on amplifiers, poles, and lines, in addition to making calls to customers’ homes. They check the lines and connections that go into a home, troubleshoot problems, and repair faulty equipment. ● Bench technicians are highly specialized electronics technicians who operate the cable system’s repair facility. They examine broken and malfunctioning cable equipment, repair it, record the repairs, and return the equipment to the field. Some bench techs are electronics techs. ● Technical supervisors oversee technicians working in the field and provide on-the-job training. They often deal with utility companies, municipalities, and large customers. ● Chief and lead technicians are the most highly skilled of the cable technician staff. They supervise the work of other technicians and are ultimately responsible for ensuring high-quality signal delivery to customers. Chief cable technicians also set employee performance standards, conduct interviews, and handle personnel matters. They do not work out in the field unless serious or complex problems arise. The job is not all technical. After each assignment, techs must file a report that describes the procedure done. Techs are also responsible for company vehicles, tools, and equipment. Wages The earnings of cable technicians depend on the worker’s experience, education, and place of employment. The median salary for nonsupervisory techs was $37,530 in 2005. Chief cable technicians earn substantially more. Benefits include paid holidays and vacations, health insurance, and retirement plans. Cable technicians also receive extra pay for overtime. $$$$ Work Conditions The work can be physically demanding at times. You must be able to climb poles and ladders while carrying tools and equipment. You will generally work a 40-hour week, but some overtime work may be required. At times you may travel to distant locations and occasionally stay to help restore damaged facilities or build new ones. Dealing with customers is a key part of the job. Advancement Experience and continuing education is key to advancement. Installers, trunk technicians, service technicians, and bench technicians may become chief cable technicians with increased on-the-job experience or electronics training. Those with a strong industrial background, advanced training in electronics, and several years of experience can advance to supervisory and administrative positions. Employment Outlook Employment in the industry is expected to grow rapidly through 2014. High-speed Internet access, digital television programming, and increased customer demand for more and improved services should all contribute to strong employment in this field. Professional Associations Communications Workers of America (202) 434-1100 ● www.cwa-union.org National Cable and Telecommunications Association (202) 775-3550 ● www.ncta.com Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers www.scte.org ● 800-542-5040 www.techdirections.com CAREER DIRECTIONS 25 http://www.cwa-union.org http://www.ncta.com http://www.scte.org http://www.techdirections.com

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Tech Directions - February 2008 Technically Speaking Contents Direct from Washington The News Report Technology’s Past Technology Today Mastering Computers How Engineers Engineer—Lessons from My First Big Engineering Project Tips on Creating Complex Geometry Using Solid Modeling Software Press to Test—Shop-Built BJT Checker Is Easy Cable Television Technician International Technology Education Association Conference—Teaching TIDE with Pride Professional Development Opportunities Product Central Free for the Asking More than Fun

Tech Directions - February 2008

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