The way to become a broadband installer is usually through formal training offered by a broadband services company that trains its personnel to prepare them for work in the field. With experience at one telecommunications company, a technician can apply to others in the event that better or more interesting jobs arise and look like good prospects. Most telecommunications companies expect candidates for field technician positions to have at least a high school diploma and a driver's license, and there are no other special requirements in many cases.
A person who wants to become a broadband installer may want to start by looking up job openings and making contact with a corporate office. If a telecommunications company doesn't have any positions available in a given area, it might have jobs open for people who are willing to relocate for work. It is also possible to file even when no jobs are available, to be considered when the company needs to fill a broadband installer position in the future. Applicants can file a general application and express an interest in broadband installation.
Training to become a broadband installer can include coursework, often provided online, although it can also be in a workbook, to go over the basics of the job. The trainee will also need to spend time in the field with qualified technicians who provide hands-on training. Someone who wants to become a broadband installer should plan on spending several months in training before being allowed to take on jobs independently. While in training, access to benefits may be limited, although installers may want to consider joining a union of telecommunications workers to get access to some union-mediated benefits immediately.
After training to become a broadband installer, technicians can install, repair, and maintain broadband systems in the field for their employers. Training and experience can also be applied to applications with other companies if they have openings in more appealing locations or offer better compensation. Telecommunications companies often want to retain loyal workers, so a broadband installer who is thinking about leaving might want to talk to a supervisor to see if it is possible to get a better wage or more comprehensive benefits.
Work as a broadband installer can be demanding. The schedule is often tight, and installers need to be able to drive across a wide coverage area. In some cases they also sell products and services, so they may receive customer service training in how to handle customers and sales.