What they do
Communications operators maintain, adjust and repair electronic equipment and also transmit and receive radio messages.
Equipment can include commercial and office machines, video and audio equipment, and electronic instruments and control systems.
Working conditions
Communications operators work for business machine and equipment manufacturing, sales, hire or service firms. They may also work for independent providers of machine maintenance service.
Tools and technologies
A communications operator may use: spanners; wrenches; Allen keys; screw drivers; vernier and calliper gauges; taps and dies; assorted drifts, punches and chisels; hammers; drills; pullers and extractors and diagnostic tools, such as ammeter/voltmeter. Compressors may be used to power machines and air tools to minimise risk of fire.
How do I become one?
Education and training
It is possible to work as a communications operator without any formal qualifications and get training on the job.
It is also possible to become a communications operator by enlisting in the Australian Defence Force in a communications operation role. See the separate profiles for Army, Navy and Air Force technicians for information about this pathway, or visit Defence Jobs for more information.
Apprenticeships and traineeships
As an apprentice or trainee, you enter into a formal training contract with an employer, enabling you to complete training towards a nationally recognised qualification. You spend time working and learning practical skills on the job and you spend some time undertaking structured training with a registered training provider.
You can do an apprenticeship or traineeship if you are a school-leaver, re-entering the workforce or as an adult or mature-aged person wishing to change careers. You can even begin your apprenticeship or traineeship while you're still at school.
If you are still at school you can access an apprenticeship through your school. Talk to your school's VET Co-ordinator to start your training now through VET in Schools. If you are no longer at school you can apply for an apprenticeship or traineeship and get paid while you learn and work.