72204

Telecommunications line and cable installers and repairers

TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: Yes

Classification

Trades, transport & equipment operators

7 › 72 › 722 › 7220

Definition

Telecommunications line and cable installers and repairers install, repair and maintain telecommunication lines and cables, cable television transmission and distribution systems and associated hardware. They are employed by cable television, telephone and other telecommunications service companies. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Install, remove, maintain and repair aerial and underground telephone, coaxial and fibre optic cable television, and other telecommunication transmission and distribution lines, cables and associated hardware
Splice and repair various types and sizes of telephone and other telecommunication cables including single line, coaxial and fibre optic
Repair or replace faulty cables, power supplies, amplifiers and other associated transmission and distribution equipment
Inspect, monitor, test and adjust telecommunication transmission lines and cables and distribution systems
Analyze and record test results
Climb and work aloft on poles, ladders or other support structures or work in confined spaces such as trenches, tunnels and crawl spaces
Communicate with other workers to coordinate the preparation and completion of work assignments
Assist in the erection and removal of telecommunication poles, towers and associated support structures
May operate excavation machinery and other heavy equipment.

Example job titles

•apprentice lineman/woman - telecommunications
•cable television installation technician
•cable television maintenance technician
•communication technician - construction
•construction technician - cable television
•telecommunication cable repairer
•telecommunications line installer
•telecommunications lineman/woman

Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, telecommunications line and cable installers and repairers are classified under NOC code 72204. This occupation falls under TEER 2, making it eligible for various Canadian economic immigration programs, such as the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) pathways administered through the Express Entry system. These professionals play a vital role in maintaining Canada's digital infrastructure by installing, testing, and repairing telecommunication lines, cables, and auxiliary equipment.

Typical duties for individuals in this classification include analyzing test results to locate transmission faults, climbing poles or accessing underground utility vaults to install and repair cables, and operating heavy equipment to lay underground conduits. They are employed by telecommunications carriers, cable television companies, and independent contractors specializing in line and cable installations. Candidates must meet specific employment requirements, which often include a secondary school diploma, completion of an apprenticeship program, or several years of on-the-job training in the sector.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal or immigration advice. For official guidelines, consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a regulated Canadian immigration consultant.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

Commonly confused codes

72205Telecommunications equipment installation and cable television service technicians 72203Electrical power line and cable workers

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.