Telecommunications and IT Networking

Course Overview

The Telecommunications Technical Officer or Technologist occupation is currently listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), making it eligible for general skilled migration visas. This is a growing field in which technology is advancing rapidly, and the skills gained through this course will be in increasing demand both in Australia and internationally.

Throughout the course, students will learn essential skills such as:

• Installing, maintaining, repairing, and diagnosing malfunctions of communication systems.
• Configuring and integrating network and telecommunications technology with computer software, hardware, desktops, peripherals, databases, and operating systems.
• Developing and recording logs of inventory details, parts, equipment, and instruments, while maintaining documentation for communication policies, procedures, guidelines, regulations, and quality standards.
• Providing technical advice and monitoring the performance of complex telecommunications networks and equipment.
• Planning and developing customer access telecommunications network infrastructure.
• Liaising with vendors, suppliers, service providers, and external resources while monitoring contractual obligations and performance delivery.
• Providing ongoing operational support in designing, troubleshooting, diagnosing, repairing, and resolving telecommunications network performance issues.

Qualifications embedded in the program include:

• Certificate IV in Information Technology – Networking
• Diploma of Information Technology – Networking
• Advanced Diploma of Telecommunications Network Engineering

These qualifications, combined with the course, can lead to a skills assessment for Telecommunications Technical Officer or Technologist. This is assessed by Engineers Australia through the Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) pathway under the Non-Accredited Pathway. Successful completion of the assessment may make you eligible for general skilled migration visas (such as Subclass 189 or Subclass 190) and the Temporary Graduate Work Visa (Subclass 485).

Course Requirements

Telecommunications Technical Officer or Technologist course entry requirements:

1. Educational Requirements:

   • Must have graduated Australian Year 12 or an equivalent qualification from your home country.

2. Vocational Placement:

   • This course may include vocational placement (practical experience in the field).

3. English Language Proficiency:

   • You must present evidence of English language proficiency.
   • IELTS: Minimum score of 6.0 overall with no band less than 5.5 (or an equivalent test such as PTE).
   • The test result must be valid within 2 years from the time of the visa application.
   • Some education institutions offer an in-house English Placement Test to meet the English language requirements.

4. Exemptions may apply if:

   • You are a citizen and hold a passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Republic of Ireland.
   • You are enrolled in a principal course of study that is a registered school course, a standalone English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS), a course in a language other than English, or a post-graduate research course.
   • You have completed at least 5 years of study in English in one or more of the following countries: Australia, UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, or the Republic of Ireland.

These requirements ensure that students have the necessary educational background and English language skills to succeed in the program and in their careers as telecommunications technical officers or technologists.