Apprenticeship training course

Radio network technician (level 3)

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Information about Radio network technician (level 3)

Ensure that digital data and voice networks operate at an optimal level.

• Knowledge, skills and behaviours:
  View knowledge, skills and behaviours

  Knowledge

  • The basics of radio propagation including path profile analysis and the behaviour of radio waves as they travel from one point to another covering line of sight and different band frequencies
  • The characteristics of digital communication including differences to how analogue networks behave.
  • The causes and impact of radio interference and noise in a network
  • Basic electricity theory for antenna
  • The different types of cabling and connectivity and their relative merits
  • Network architectures, the specification of a network's physical components and their functional organisation and configuration; its operational principles, procedures, protocols and related management tools.
  • The need for and the principles of spectrum re-use in networks and an understanding of manual and automated methods of frequency planning for narrow band networks
  • The existence of uplink and downlink channels in networks and their uses
  • Constraints to spectrum which can be used on a given radio site based on information about spectrum already in use on it and nearby
  • Impact of harmonics in radio frequency and how to reduce this
  • The relationship between capacity demands and spectral usage in networks and to frequency re-use requirements
  • The differences between wide-band and narrow band networks, the use of simplex and duplex techniques in networks, methods of frequency hopping and their benefits in narrow band networks and manual and automated methods of code planning in Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks.
  • Techniques and systems used in testing to identify the location and cause of faults in complex and/or non-standard radio telecommunications networks; including observation, simulation, measurement, identification of function loss comparison, and previous fault data. Previous fault data includes frequency of occurrence, manufacturers' documentation including user guides and diagnostic data, maintenance records, trending, built-in diagnostics, alarm priority, comparison with commissioning results.
  • What equates to good voice and data network performance
  • The fault finding process and how to measure performance against targets, including an awareness of service level agreements
  • The types of fault which may occur, the main factors affecting network performance including typical faults, and approaches to error control
  • The importance of following relevant health and safety requirements
  • Basic security principles, policies and procedures including general relevant data protection, software, access, encryption and regulation and how to report security breaches and an awareness of digital infrastructure
  • Existence of network vulnerabilities and how they are assessed
  • The security process for accessing field based sites
  • How to use data ethically and the implications for wider society, with respect to the use of data and automation.
  • The need for accessibility for all users and diversity of user needs
  • Roles within a multidisciplinary team and the interfaces with other areas of an organisation
  • Information available in data sources, how to access these and commonality and difference between them
  • How their occupation fits into the wider digital landscape and any current or future regulatory requirements

  Skills

  • Operate the planning process including selection of appropriate equipment
  • Select appropriate location as part the planning process
  • Install or support installation of equipment and termination of cabling
  • Install, or support the installation, positioning equipment according to manufacturer's specifications, design detail and perform administrative tasks including installation reports and test results
  • Identify the causes of issues relating to frequency re-use and other noise sources
  • Prioritise, plan and organise work activity using a methodical approach
  • Select the right frequency or code planning method for Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) in a given scenario
  • Access and use the appropriate test system
  • Report faults and use the appropriate escalation process
  • Collate and input fault data and statements into the fault management system
  • Rectify faults within own area of control or escalate as appropriate
  • Utilise tools to review, audit and modify network element parameters
  • Configure and maintain Internet Protocol (IP) based Radio Frequency (RF) telecommunications network
  • Gather network performance information and user insight through feedback or user experience
  • Implement procedures to enhance the performance of the network
  • Analyse complex data, draw meaningful conclusions and understand commercial impact
  • Use equipment and technology responsibly and effectively
  • Locate and apply organisational security polices
  • Arrange access to sites according to required procedure
  • Create a written work plan & communicate plan to team members
  • Use customer feedback to process, prioritise and resolve issues effectively
  • Work in agile, multi-disciplinary delivery teams, taking a flexible, collaborative and pragmatic approach to delivering tasks
  • Keep up to date with developments in technologies, trends and innovation using a range of sources
  • Review own development needs

  Behaviours

  • Adheres to required work practices and conducts all work in a manner which is safe
  • Aligns work activities and priorities to organisational objectives
  • Is responsible for own continued professional development
  • Uses initiative to take ownership and responsibility for their work
  • Demonstrates a pragmatic and logical approach to problem solving
  • Is a positive role model to others in attitude to work and how it is undertaken
• Apprenticeship category (sector): Digital
• Qualification level: 3; Equal to A level
• Course duration: 24 months
• Maximum funding: £15,000 ; Maximum government funding for ; apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
• Job titles include:
  • Radio network engineer
  • Radio network technician
  • Communications radio engineer
  • Wireless systems engineer
  • Radio optimisation engineer

View more information about Radio network technician (level 3) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.