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Wireless Technician
Published
Competency-Based Apprenticeship
Industries
O*Net Code
49-2021.00
Rapids Code
2038CB
Req. Hours
0
State
DC
Created
Jul 16, 2021
Updated
Jul 16, 2021
Competency-Based Skills
5 skill sets | 20 total skills
Safety Skills
OSHA 10 (Telecom)
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
CPR/First Aid/BBP
Radio Frequency (RF) awareness
Jobsite Safety Analysis (JSA)
Electrical and Grounding Safety
Industry Knowledge
Telecommunications Fundamentals
Digital Communications and Internet Protocol (IP) Fundamentals
Introduction to Wireless Communications
Introduction to Microwave and Radio Transmission Systems and DAS (Distributed Antenna Systems)
Electrical/Power System Fundamentals
Technical Skills
Equipment/System Installation
Equipment/System Monitoring, Testing and Maintenance
Equipment/System Troubleshooting and Repair
Job Site Management and Security
Job Site Process and Operations
Material Handling
Operate Machines, Equipment, Tools and Software (METS)
Operate Motor Vehicles and Equipment
Knowledge of proper DOT regulations if applicable
Load securement
Technical Instruction
OSHA 10 (Telecom)
Currently there are 10 hour courses that are tailored to telecommunications work. These 10 hour courses are the primary means to be used. However, until such a time as the TIRAP Board is able to work with OSHA to have a new 500 course in place, we will be recognizing a construction-based 10 hour course. Knowledge of wireless site safety is critical in understanding how to perform work on company assets. This course will provide the information and knowledge to ensure a safe work environment. Apprentices will receive a card showing they have completed the course.
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
Each Apprentice must be trained in the inspection, care and use of PPE for the particular SOW and hazards addressed through their use. While the Apprentice is being trained in PPE inspection, care and use, they are to be under direct supervision of an on-the-job mentor at all times, enabling them to draw on the competencies of the on-the-job mentor as they develop experience in the inspection, care, and proper use of PPE. Examples of PPE used by an Apprentice include: hard hat, proper footwear, eye/face protection, hearing protection, and fall protection equipment. This list is not exclusive or exhaustive as the SOW may require the supervisory, on-the-job mentor to engage other types of engineering controls or safety measures.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)/First Aid/Blood Borne Pathogens (BBP)
This course is recognized as completed as long as it meets or exceeds the requirements of the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. The Apprentice must achieve certification in accord with at least one of these two programs.
Radio Frequency (RF) Radiation Safety & Awareness
This course is designed to enable the Apprentice to have an understanding of the RF-related hazards and the ability to understand basic antenna types, RF patterns and potential for exposure. Apprentice(s) will also be trained in the use of a RF meter along with the bands that it is designed to monitor. Testing shall be both a written exam and demonstration of the proper use of an RF monitor. This training shall meet or exceed the requirements of all current Federal Communications Commission-Office of Engineering and Technology (FCC OET) Bulletins with regards to Human Exposure levels. This course will also cover the fundamental science, exposure and protection methods concerning electromagnetic frequency (EMF) and electrostatic discharge (ESD) safety.
Electrical and Grounding Safety
This course is designed to teach basic electrical skills, AC and DC power distribution systems, power safety procedures, generator and battery operations, testing and maintenance. The Apprentice will also learn the fundamentals of Grounding Safety Standard Installation to include general grounding theory, types of grounding, components, surge protection, ground resistance measurements etc.
Jobsite Hazard Analysis (JHA)
A primary goal is that the Apprentice understands the necessity of the project SOW comprehension and the subsequent jobsite hazards the SOW could expose the Apprentice or other crew member to as a part of performing the SOW. Apprentice must be able to communicate the hazards outlined in a JHA and identify the means necessary to abate the hazard and/or PPE use required to protect against these hazards. The Apprentice will also understand company and vendor accident reporting procedures. Proper planning allows for quality work in an efficient manner, and it is through this planning that the Apprentice will be able to ensure safety for themselves as well as the other members of the team. Testing will involve written exams requiring the Apprentice to demonstrate their understanding of the jobsite hazards and appropriate steps to mitigate those hazards.
Telecommunications Fundamentals
Telephony fundamentals and telecommunication industry overview
Circuit types, circuit switched and fiber optic networks
General telephony equipment including Digital Signal Cross-Connect (DSX) bays/chassis/panels, Channel Service Units/Data Service Units (CSU/DSU) repeater systems, smart jacks, Bit Error Rate Testers (BERT), etc.
Understanding and knowledge of backhaul technologies and testing procedures
Ability to learn Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) products as technology evolves
Digital Communications and Internet Protocol (IP) Fundamentals
Data communication/transmission fundamentals and industry overview
Networking basics, equipment and LAN/WAN architecture
IP protocol stack, networking fundamentals, IP addressing, mobile IP
Introduction to Wireless Communications
Wireless communication fundamentals and specifics of current and proposed U.S. wireless systems
Elements of radio system design, interference, cell coverage, frequency management and channel assignment
Call processing, propagation loss, multipath fading and methods of reducing fades, error correction requirements and techniques, modulation methods, microcell issues, etc.
Introduction to Long Term Evolution (LTE) and VoLTE (Voice over LTE) Systems
Introduction to Microwave and Radio Transmission Systems and DAS (Distributed Antenna Systems)
The theory of microwave technology and radio systems
Electrical / Power System Fundamentals
Types of multiplexing including analog, time-division multiplexing (TDM), code division multiple access (CDMA) and others
Operation and maintenance of transmission line pressurization systems
Distributed Antenna System (DAS) fundamentals and components
The Apprentice will learn about the work practices to be used during the operation and maintenance of electric power generation, transmission, and distribution facilities. The standard includes requirements relating to enclosed spaces, hazardous energy control, working near energized parts, grounding for employee protection, work on underground and overhead installations, line-clearance tree trimming, work in substations and generating plants, and other special conditions and equipment unique to the generation, transmission, and distribution of electric energy.
Equipment / System Installation
Antenna, base transceiver stations (BTS), DAS/small cell components and associated network elements
Single/multi-mode fiber and coaxial cable to include RF interconnects, cable terminations and fusion splicing
T1/IP cross connects, circuit commissioning/decommissioning, CSU/DSU provisioning
Install, terminate and test RF interconnecting cabling
RF Meter usage
Perform equipment installation inspection, power up, and acceptance testing
Read and understand technical manuals to determine equipment which meets established requirements
Understand electro static discharge (ESD) safety and equipment protection procedures
Equipment / System Monitoring, Testing and Maintenance
Provide daily preventive maintenance of wireless site equipment including small cells, macro sites, DAS systems and Wi-Fi hubs
Perform system testing for network outages and integrity using scanners, spectrum analyzers, and other electronic test equipment
Understand, interpret and calibrate results for test equipment such as T1/IP, power, conductivity and earth ground resistivity meters, and smart clocks/frequency counters
CDMA system functionality (forward, reverse, paging channel , power control, soft hand-off, capacity), call processing and sequencing, message flow, and critical/sub states
CDMA communications system analyzers and testing measurements: carrier feed through, average and channel power, timing and phase, pilot time offset, error vector magnitude (EVM) and RF overlay
Conduct antenna and cable sweep testing and analysis
Maintain and inspect test equipment, tools and supplies for continuous use
Perform scheduled and on-demand maintenance routines
Understand tower lighting system operations and management
Equipment / System Troubleshooting and Repair
Locate, test, adjust, repair and replace malfunctioning and inoperative equipment
Use troubleshooting techniques to identify, isolate and resolve network anomalies and failures
Use troubleshooting techniques to identify, isolate and resolve hardware/software and air interface malfunctions utilizing multiple test equipment on various products and technologies
Respond to and resolve T1/IP, microwave and network alarms and outages
RF sweep testing and PIM monitoring
Ethernet backhaul testing (IPBH)
Data capture and packet analysis
Job Site Management and Security
Perform general physical security and routine site/grounds inspections
Check and verify environmental settings; report and/or remedy issues
Proactively help to ensure complete physical security of all wireless elements
Job Site Process and Operations
Comply with standard operating procedures and policies
Understand and follow safety and escalation procedures
Document and record daily activities and events using BTS logs with accuracy and completeness
Utilize appropriate cell site software/systems to provide and obtain necessary information and reports
Accommodate changes in work schedule (expediting new sites, outages, site integration changes, project delays, etc.)
Material Handling
All material must be handled appropriately. Size, weight and structure of materials will require different methods and equipment as appropriate, to handle safely. The Apprentice will also be trained in the proper storage of materials. Due to the remote nature of the work sites it is important that the Apprentice be instructed in the requirements that some materials are weather sensitive, some are prone to theft and some could be blown away and create damage or loss. Transporting materials is a daily consideration in telecommunications so the Apprentice must also learn proper loading and tie down of various types of materials. It is important for the Apprentice to understand and come to competency through on the job experience.
Operate Machines, Equipment, Tools and Software (METS)
Machinery
Transportation and operation of specific wireless site machinery/equipment
Hand Tools
ESD, diagnostic and testing tools
Ladders
Non-conductive standard, step and extension ladders
Information Systems
Company and vendor asset, network operations and trouble ticketing systems
