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ICT30524 Certificate III in Telecommunications Technology

About

Launch your career in the rapidly evolving telecommunications industry and develop the technical skills needed to support Australia’s communication networks. This qualification prepares you to work as a telecommunications technology operator, combining hands-on practical training with industry-specific knowledge to help you install, test and maintain a wide range of modern communication systems.

This nationally accredited qualification provides the skills required to assess installation requirements, plan and perform telecommunications installations, test and commission equipment, and diagnose and resolve faults when issues arise. You’ll learn to work confidently across multiple technologies and environments while applying industry standards, safety procedures and regulatory requirements.

Telecommunications technology operators work across a diverse range of fields, including customer cabling networks, digital reception systems, optical fibre networks, premises cabling and telecommunications networking. The qualification also supports pathways into radio communications and rigging, activities that may involve installing and maintaining antennas on high structures such as towers, and assembling components for complete radio mast systems. You’ll also gain practical experience working with wireless networks and other emerging communication technologies.

If you’re interested in a hands-on, future-focused role that supports essential communication services across homes, businesses and industry, this qualification provides a strong foundation for a rewarding career in telecommunications technology.

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  • Learning Outcomes

    At the successful completion of this qualification, you will be able to:

    • Install, configure and commission telecommunications systems, including copper, fibre, coaxial and wireless technologies.
    • Connect, test and verify customer cabling networks, premises cabling and digital reception technology equipment.
    • Use appropriate test instruments and diagnostic tools to identify faults in telecommunications equipment and cabling systems.
    • Apply systematic troubleshooting techniques to isolate and rectify issues across a range of network types.
    • Apply WHS/OHS requirements, safe work practices and risk control measures relevant to telecommunications environments.
    • Follow regulatory, licensing and compliance standards, including Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) requirements for cabling work.
    • Maintain accurate documentation and interpret technical drawings, wiring diagrams, network schematics and equipment specifications.
    • Understand and apply telecommunications principles including signal transmission, network topologies, bandwidth, interference and equipment operation.
    • Use tools, instruments and digital technologies relevant to telecommunications installation and maintenance.
    • Work collaboratively and responsibly in varied environments, including residential, commercial, and high-risk outdoor sites.

     

  • Career pathways

    Graduates of ICT30524 may progress into a wide range of roles within the telecommunications field. Opportunities include work in customer cabling, optical fibre installation, wireless network support, radio communications, and telecommunications installation and maintenance. These roles contribute to the installation, upgrade and maintenance of communication systems across residential, commercial and industrial environments.

    With further experience, upskilling and industry accreditation, technicians may advance into more specialised or senior roles. Career development opportunities include network support and network operations roles, specialist optical fibre splicing, NBN or carrier-grade network maintenance, field supervision or team leadership, and advanced radio or microwave communications work. Some may also progress into telecommunications project support or coordination positions, contributing to large-scale infrastructure upgrades and deployment projects.

  • Licensing

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    Telecommunications cabling work in Australia is regulated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). Individuals who install, maintain or repair customer cabling, such as telephone, data, coaxial and optical fibre cabling, must hold a relevant ACMA cabling registration. This includes compliance with the Wiring Rules (AS/CA S009) and any endorsements required for specialised cabling, such as structured, coaxial or optical fibre systems.

    Work involving radio communications, rigging, or tasks performed at heights may also require additional units of competency, industry accreditation, or High Risk Work Licences, depending on the nature of the activity and employer or carrier requirements.

    Because licensing requirements can vary across jurisdictions, employers should confirm the specific obligations that apply to their intended work. Checking with ACMA-registered cabling registrars and relevant state or territory regulators will ensure all legal and compliance requirements are met before commencing telecommunications cabling or related activities.

  • Is this qualification right for you?

    This qualification may be right for you if:

    • You enjoy practical, hands-on work and want to install, test and maintain telecommunications equipment and cabling systems.
    • You’re interested in modern communication technologies, including fibre optics, wireless networks, digital reception systems and radio communications.
    • You have good problem-solving skills and can methodically diagnose faults or performance issues in complex network environments.
    • You’re comfortable working both indoors and outdoors, sometimes in commercial, residential or industrial settings.
    • You are safety-conscious, especially when working with electrical equipment, on ladders, or at heights in rigging environments.
    • You enjoy variety, with work that may involve cabling, configuration, testing, field installations and customer interaction.
    • You’re ready to develop skills aligned with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

  • Study Options

    Frequency & Expected duration

    This qualification nominally takes 3 years to complete, which typically includes around three years of combined off-and-on-the-job training, and around one year of dedicated on-the-job training. Over the 3 years you will be required to attend 25 days of training, at one of our industry-leading facilities for in-person training.

    NECA Training delivers off-the-job training via Block Release, involving 5 days full time training, multiple times each year.  

    Location

    We currently deliver this qualification from our Centre of Excellence in Chullora (Sydney) which is a purpose-built technical trade college, owned by the Industry. 

    Entry Requirements

    To start the ICT30524 Certificate III in Telecommunications Technology, you must be employed, have a Unique Student Identifier, meet basic Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy requirements, and meet any specified Australian Government and State/Territory eligibility criteria.

    Unique Student Identifier (USI)

    A Unique Student Identifier (USI) must be provided at the time of enrolment for this qualification. 

    Your USI is your personal education number and it is required for all nationally recognised study, including university and vocational education and training (VET). Made up of 10 letters and numbers, it is free and stays with you for life.

    If you haven’t previously done so, you can create your USI here – https://www.usi.gov.au/

  • Apprenticeships

    To commence your studies with NECA Training, you must be working as an apprentice and have a signed apprenticeship contract lodged with an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider (ACAP). 

    You have a few options to begin an electrical apprenticeship.

    You can apply for a position with a Group Training Organisation (GTO), such as NECA Electrical Apprenticeships. The GTO then becomes your legal employer and makes arrangements for you to undertake direct work placements with one or more trusted host employers. 

    For direct employment, we encourage you to look online, check local newspaper ads or on-line employment platforms and/or contact local electricians to see if they employ apprentices. 

    Once you have found a job, your employer will register you with an Apprenticeship Connect Australia Provider (ACAP) who will further support you through the process.

  • Language Literacy Numeracy & Digital Literacy (LLND)

    To successfully complete this qualification it is essential that you have adequate Language, Literacy, and Numeracy (LLN) skills as well as Digital Literacy skills to engage fully with the training materials, participate in learning activities, and complete all required assessments. This includes the ability to:

    • Read and interpret learning materials and assessment instructions
    • Write responses and communicate effectively in English
    • Apply numeracy skills such as measuring, calculating, and interpreting data
    • Use digital tools such as learning management systems, electronic work record systems and other online or computer-based platforms relevant to the training.

    The LLND requirements for this qualification are broadly aligned with Level 3 in the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). ACSF Level 3 indicates a competent level of performance in core skills that is sufficient for meeting the demands of everyday life and work. 

    Prior to enrolment, you will be required to complete an LLN assessment so that we can better understand your individual needs, and assist to ensure your LLN skills match the demands of the qualification.

  • Qualification Structure

    The ICT30524 Certificate III in Telecommunications Technology qualification requires the completion of 6 Core Units of Competency and 10 Elective Units.

    Unit Code Unit Name
    ICTTEN202 Use hand and power tools
    ICTTEN208 Use electrical skills when working with telecommunications networks
    ICTTEN315 Determine and apply technologies within a telecommunications system
    ICTTEN317 Locate, identify and rectify telecommunications network faults
    ICTWHS204 Follow work health and safety and environmental policy and procedures
    ICTWOR308 Provide customer service to telecommunications customers
    ICTTEN207 Install and test internet protocol devices in convergence networks
    ICTCBL247 Install, maintain and modify customer premises communications cabling: ACMA Open Rule
    ICTCBL301 Install, terminate and certify structured cabling installation
    ICTCBL303 Install and terminate coaxial cable
    ICTCBL322 Install, test and terminate optical fibre cable on customer premises
    ICTCBL329 Install underground cable for communications applications
    ICTCBL333 Install aerial cable for communications applications
    ICTCBL334 Install underground enclosures and conduit
    ICTCBL335 Construct aerial cable supports
    ICTDRE314 Design communications wiring systems for customer premises

  • Credit Transfer

    NECA Training accepts and provides credit to learners who have already completed Units of Competency from the qualification, unless licensing or regulatory requirements prevent this.

    To receive a credit transfer for a unit you must provide us with formal evidence that you’ve previously completed the unit or a unit which matches in content and outcome. Formal evidence can be a qualification certificate or transcript, statement of attainment or your USI transcript. When credit is recognised, you don’t need to repeat training or assessment for that unit.

  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that evaluates the competency you may have acquired through previous education and training, work experience and/or life experience and knowledge. In a RPL process, evidence is collected and assessed to determine the extent to which you meet the pre-determined performance standards contained within the associated Unit/s of Competency being considered for RPL.

    While some may view RPL as a shortcut to competency, it is important to understand that sufficient evidence to meet each element and performance criteria and all assessment requirements within the Unit/s of Competency still needs to be collected and assessed before a final competency decision can be reached. 

    If you believe you are eligible for RPL, please let our administration team know during the enrolment process so that we can better support your application.

  • Fees & Charges

    This qualification is currently only offered by NECA Training in NSW. For all NSW-based students, this training is subsidised by the NSW Government under their Smart and Skilled program. This means that it is fee free for all eligible students.

  • Intakes

    Given the specialised nature of ICT30524, training intakes are scheduled on a needs basis rather than at set times throughout the year. Classes commence only when there is sufficient industry demand, ensuring that training aligns with workforce requirements and employer needs.

    New groups are typically formed following direct consultation with employers, allowing us to tailor delivery to specific project timelines, crew structures or operational requirements within the Telecommunications Industry.

    If your organisation is considering enrolling apprentices or requires customised training delivery, please contact us to discuss upcoming opportunities and potential intake arrangements.