Course Summary
The role of the network cable installer is to install, terminate, test and certify network cable infrastructure components in accordance with National and International industry standards. This network infrastructure will provide the communications backbone for the digital infrastructure ecosystem, enabling all types of digital devices including computers, servers, smart devices, security equipment, wireless access points, access control, building management systems and lighting systems to communicate between each other, internally, nationally and globally.
Installers work in data sensitive environments and contribute to the organisation’s cyber security strategy by ensuring the physical security l as well as complying with basic cyber security principles for the maintenance of confidentiality, integrity and availability of data..
They could be called upon to work in the Inside Plant (ISP) environment which is dedicated to the installation of cable within buildings and structures, and the Outside Plant (OSP) environment, which is dedicated to the installation of cable externally between buildings, cities and countries.
The size of the task or project that a network cable installer could be involved in, ranges from a single outlet point in a customer’s premises, to thousands of outlets in a new office blocks, or from a single fibre cable termination in a building to the installation of hundreds of fibres over many kilometres in local, national and international communities. The role of the installer is very physical and often involves lifting and moving heavy equipment.
Striving to deliver excellent and consistent levels of customer service is a vital part of the role. Installers work diligently to accurately interpret customer requirements and endeavour to meet high quality standards.
Course Content
•Install copper cables, which are widely used to inter-connect communicating devices e.g. computers, scanners and printers to servers within office buildings, industrial buildings, hospitals, data centres, and fibre optic cables, which are widely used for connecting between floors within buildings, buildings to buildings and cities to cities, as well as providing the highest speed broadband to homes.
•Interpret detailed project plans to construct and fix network equipment cabinets, prepare cable pathways, and install cable support and containment systems.
•Install network equipment in cabinets, in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications including routers, switches and WAN equipment.
•Undertake performance-based testing and provision of certification to the customer. During the lifespan of the network, carry out maintenance where faults have occurred.
•Work in potentially hazardous areas such as building sites, highways and railways, and exercise responsibility for the safety of themselves as well as anybody in the local area who could be affected by their actions.
•Exercise responsibility for the care and maintenance of a wide range of specialist tools, ensuring that equipment is serviceable and in calibration (where appropriate), at all times.
•Use workforce management systems for a range of workflow activities as well as personal time and attendance tracking.
Typical job titles include Network Cable Installer; Structured Cabling Installer; Telecoms Cable Installer.
Course Assessment
S1. Install copper cabling components for Local Area Networking (LAN). Carry out maintenance tasks on copper cable networks. Can identify, locate and repair common faults
S2. Install fibre optic cabling components for Local Area Networking (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) infrastructure. Can identify, locate and repair common faults
S3. Carry out testing on copper cabling in accordance with equipment manufacturer’s procedures, and compliant to industry standards, interpret results and rectify failures
S4. Carry out testing of fibre optic cabling using an optical loss test set (Tier 1), an optical time domain reflectometer (Tier 2) and fibre inspection tool in accordance with equipment manufacturer’s procedures, and compliant to industry standards
S5. Analyse copper and fibre test results and provides certification to the customer
S6. Prepare, constructs and installs telecommunications equipment cabinets, either pre-built or from flat-pack. Arrange and install fixtures and fittings appropriate for the intended use. Correctly selects network equipment components for installation into cabinets, differentiating between switches and routers
S7. Work at height in a safe manner and is competent in the use of Mobile Equipment Work Platforms (MEWPs) and can assemble, dismantle, use and inspect prefabricated low-level access towers
S8. Reduce the danger of working in confined spaces by implementing appropriate health and safety procedures, using and maintaining personal protective equipment
S9. Carry out network cable installation within the public highway to the standards required by the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991
S10. Analyse plans, make decisions about equipment types and quantity, and accurately predict timeframes
S11. Assess the requirements for cable containment by type and size to build a pathway suitable for routing data cables. Install containment systems in a safe manner, using the correct tools and methods for cutting, shaping and mounting tray, basket trunking and conduit
S12. Install end-point equipment i.e. CCTV camera, Wireless Access Point, Access Control etc. using appropriate fixings and media
S13. Interpret the customer statement of requirements to determine the correct quality of components to be used in the cable network
S14. Use literacy and numeracy skills to quantify equipment requirements and timelines for tasks to be carried out
S15. Communicate effectively with key stakeholders in the customer’s organisation including the customer, the Construction Design and Management (CDM) co-ordinator, the project manager and the Information Technology (IT) security officer
S16. Work diligently to maintain cyber security by applying processes and procedures aimed at protecting data confidentiality
Employer Benefits
B1. Highly self-motivated and driven when carrying out work alone
B2. Assumes responsibility for the accuracy and quality of own work
B3. Team focused and makes an effective contribution
B4. Disciplined, applies effective time management and meets deadlines
B5. Applies initiative to overcome any obstacles encountered in the workplace.
B6. Anticipates security issues and demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding data integrity
B7. Focused and thorough, working to consistently high standards
Qualifications
Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end point assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3 and British Sign Language qualification is an alternative to English qualifications for whom this is their primary language.
Progression
On completion the apprentice will be eligible to apply for registration as a full member for the Institute of Telecommunications Professionals
Entry Requirements
Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end point assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3 and British Sign Language qualification is an alternative to English qualifications for whom this is their primary language.
