CELL TOWER TECHNICIAN

ACADEMY

Program Description

Cell Tower Technician Academy 2

PROGRAM OVERVIEWAs cellular telephone networks continue to expand, so do the employment opportunities for cell tower technicians. Cell tower technicians climb the face of telecommunications/cellular towers to install, test, maintain, repair and remove a variety of radio frequency and antenna equipment. Currently there is a critical shortage of cell tower technicians and demand is expected to remain high for the next six to 10 years. To meet this demand, Kalamazoo Valley Community College is launching the area’s first training academy for cell tower technicians.

Advancement in technology is happening so quickly that the equipment in use today will be obsolete in the near future. As the cycle continues, the same technician who installs the equipment today will be making upgrades tomorrow. Each new advance means that technicians need to have a great foundational knowledge. The industry needs people who have an interest in working at heights, have the ability to travel extensively and are dedicated to a safe working environment.

Pay and Working ConditionsSkilled technicians have excellent job security and are competitively recruited by companies who provide services to the telecom industry. The average wage for an experienced Technician is about $20-$23 per hour. Entry-level technicians earn an average of $13-$16 to start. Hourly wages are supplemented with per diem pay for hotel accommodations and daily expenses as well as opportunities for overtime. Most companies provide merit-based raises based on job performance and the attainment of industry related training and certifications.

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7107 Elm Valley DriveKalamazoo, MI 49009Phone: 269.353.1286Fax: 269.353.1580careeracademies@kvcc.eduwww.kvcc.edu/celltech

Cell Tower Technician Academy 3

Cell tower technicians climb the face of telecommunications/cellular towers to remove, install, test, maintain and repair a variety of radio frequency and antenna equipment. After installing equipment, technicians test it using handheld testing devices to verify that the equipment is properly installed. Routine maintenance is also a daily part of the technician’s job. Maintenance usually includes activities like changing out transmission lines, antennas and/or light bulbs.

Joining the IndustryThe Cell Tower Technician Academy has been developed by industry employers who are anxious to hire graduates. Trainees will leave the 6-week program well prepared for employment. Training to develop skills needed to perform this work safely is a key component of the program. Employers expect that employees provide the basic tools of the trade. A tool set is included in the cost of the course. It’s valued at $1,400 and will go with Academy graduates upon program completion. The training includes electrical and mechanical fundamentals, as well as competency-based training for the proper handling, installation and maintenance of equipment. The Cell Tower Technician Academy is a 6-week, full time, competency-based training program. The program includes structured classroom learning and hands-on practical application of skills in the learning lab.

Graduates of the Cell Tower Technician Academy earn a certificate of completion from Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Trainees will be tested on their knowledge and abilities through written and practical examinations. A transcript of competencies is awarded to each student, outlining the specific competencies they demonstrate.

The Cell Tower Technician Academy prepares trainees to perform specific tasks related to the cellular industry. Unlike more generalized training programs, this training opportunity is not likely to benefit trainees who do not intend to seek employment as a cell tower technician.

TRAINING METHODS

CELL TOWER TECHNICIAN ACADEMY

Cell Tower Technician Academy 4

WORKSITE SAFETY TRAININGThe units in this module provide classroom instruction, demonstration and laboratory practice to assure trainees have the knowledge, skills and equipment to work safely in and around the cell tower. Trainees will earn certifications in First Aid, CPR, the use of AED, Radio Frequency Awareness and Competent Climber/Rescue. Trainees earn OSHA 10-hour for Construction, Crane and Rigging basic safety, Tower Climbing Environment safety and powered platform safety training.

ELECTRICAL BASICSTrainees will learn to construct basic relay controlled circuits, diagnose basic relay controlled circuits, find faults in electrical circuits and sketch basic circuits.

FASTENERSAs simple as it may sound, knowledge of fasteners is vital to ensuring the safety of the technicians and that installations and repairs are made correctly. In this module, trainees will learn the properties of different types of fasteners, their application and proper torqueing procedures.

CELL SITE BASICSDuring this module trainees will learn about the general lay-out of the tower site, interpreting structural and site drawings, gain a basic understanding of how a cell call is handled, and learn unique safety considerations.

PROGRAM CONTENT

CELL TOWER TECHNICIAN ACADEMY

LINES AND ANTENNAS Trainees will learn about different types of transmission lines and their proper use in the cell tower industry. A variety of antennas will be discussed. The properties, limitations, installation and proper positioning will be discussed throughout the course of this module.

RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) FUNDAMENTALS Trainees will learn the fundamentals of RF. Trainees will study maximum power theory, maximum power transfer and signal reflections amongst other topics related to RF Fundamentals.

COMPUTER SKILLSThis module assures students have the knowledge and skills necessary to utilize computer hardware and software applications used in the cellular industry. The trainees must demonstrate proficiency in the use of software for word processing, spreadsheets and databases used to generate and deliver reports with pictures and supporting documentation included for electronic transmission.

FIBER-OPTICSFiber-optics is an integral part of telecommunication. As technology continues to advance, outdated copper wire is being replaced with fiber-optic cable. As consumers demand better reliability and faster speeds, fiber-optics will help to fill the demand. Trainees will gain a basic understanding of fiber-optics, including installation, proper bend radius, fault finding and proper care and handling which will be vital to the cell tower technician.

Cell Tower Technician Academy 5

The Cell Tower Technician Academy accepts trainees into the program based on a screening process which aligns with the requirements of industry employers. The application process identifies trainees with pre-requisite knowledge and experience needed to be successful in the Academy and to assure graduates have the skills, characteristics and capabilities employers require to hire.

Admission Criteria:Must be able to work at extreme heights. A climb test will be required before training begins.

Travel is a requirement of the job. The willingness and ability to travel is a must in this industry. Technicians will travel to rural and urban areas around the country to perform maintenance, installations, upgrades and repairs. Overtime is common in this occupation and crews must be easily assembled and dispatched to respond to emergencies. Travel expenses are covered by the employer.

Must possess a valid driver’s license and be eligible to earn a CDL licenseTechnicians may be expected to drive company vehicles that require the operator to have a Commercial Driver’s License. As part of the application to the program you’ll be required to prove you have a valid driver’s license and provide a copy of your driving record.

Due to the extensive travel in this industry, employers will seek employees with clean driving records. If you have a high number of points or driving related offenses, it may affect the employer’s ability to insure you on their vehicles. During your application review we will review and counsel candidates regarding concerns.

Know that employment options may be negatively affected if you have a high number of points or driving related offenses, such as DUI (driving under the influence), DWI (driving while impaired), or refusal to test in the past five years.

ADMISSION TO THE PROGRAM

CELL TOWER TECHNICIAN ACADEMY

Pass a pre-employment drug testDue to the inherent danger of working at heights, and strict enforcement of a drug free workplace in industry, applicants will be required to pass a pre-academy drug test.

Ability to work with your handsThe cell tower field will require employees to work extensively with their hands installing, maintaining and repairing cellular equipment. These abilities can be demonstrated through previous work, hobbies, and/or military experience.

Ability to work as a teamCell tower technicians will work in small teams to complete the work necessary to keep a cell site running smoothly. This will require individuals to work well in a small team environment. The team will need to develop trust and ensure the safety of one another, and work together to make decisions in the field.

Ability to pass a math assessmentA certain level of mathematical ability will be required as a cell tower technician. These abilities are typically demonstrated in a 1st year Algebra course in high school. You will be required to pass a math assessment before acceptance into the program.