This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
This is an entry-level qualification for telecommunications linesworkers working on the construction and maintenance of high-speed national broadband network (NBN) infrastructure.
Linesworkers may:
- perform cable and infrastructure work underground, which may involve civil and construction work such as site preparation, building of enclosures, installing mounting brackets and hauling underground cables
- work above ground to install fibre or metallic aerial cable and infrastructure, which may also include installing aerial lead-in cables to customer premises and providing traffic management.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Work functions in the occupational areas where this qualification may be used may be subject to regulatory requirements. Refer to the ICT Information and Communications Technology Companion Volume Implementation Guide or the relevant regulator for details of licensing, legislative or certification requirements.
Cabling on the customer side of the network termination device must be carried out according to requirements of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and relevant industry registration bodies, and in line with the specifications of the access network owner.
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Financial help
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Government funding is not available for this course.
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are not available
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You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
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On-the-job training
- Completing this course through a traineeship can help you to learn the skills you need.
This traineeship is available:
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Through traineeship:
19 months - Qualification only:
6 months – 1 year
- Through traineeship:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Follow work health and safety and environmental policy and procedures | Core |
| Provide customer service to telecommunications customers | Core |
| Use electrical skills when working with telecommunications networks | Core |
| Use hand and power tools | Core |
| Work effectively in a telecommunications network environment | Core |
| Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry | Elective |
| Carry out WHS requirements | Elective |
| Construct underground telecommunications infrastructure | Elective |
| Erect aerial cable supports | Elective |
| Haul and fix aerial cable | Elective |
| Haul underground cable for installation and maintenance work | Elective |
| Inspect, clean and handle optical fibre cable and connectors | Elective |
| Install aerial and underground cable lead-ins | Elective |
| Install aerial cable for communications applications | Elective |
| Install an above ground equipment enclosure | Elective |
| Install and terminate coaxial cable | Elective |
| Install and terminate hard-line coaxial cable | Elective |
| Install and test internet protocol devices in convergence networks | Elective |
| Install lead-in module and cable for fibre to the premises | Elective |
| Install telecommunications network equipment | Elective |
| Install underground cable for communications applications | Elective |
| Install underground enclosures and conduit | Elective |
| Install underground telecommunications infrastructure | Elective |
| Install, test and terminate optical fibre cable on customer premises | Elective |
| Joint and terminate coaxial cable | Elective |
| Joint metallic conductor cable in access network | Elective |
| Jumper metallic conductor cable in the access network | Elective |
| Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices | Elective |
| Prepare site for support installation | Elective |
| Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation | Elective |
| Provide First Aid | Elective |
| Provide telecommunications services safely on roofs | Elective |
| Remove and replace electronic circuit boards in carrier equipment | Elective |
| Remove non-friable asbestos | Elective |
| Splice and terminate optical fibre cable for telecommunications projects | Elective |
| Use explosive power tools | Elective |
| Use optical measuring instruments | Elective |
| Use radio frequency measuring instruments | Elective |
| Work effectively in the digital and telecommunications industry | Elective |
| Work on and resolve recurrent network faults | Elective |
| Work safely at heights | Elective |
| Work safely in the construction industry | Elective |
| Work safely near power infrastructure at a telecommunications workplace | Elective |
| Working safely near live electrical apparatus as a non-electrical worker | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate II in Telecommunications Network Build and Operation sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Telecommunications Linesworker
ANZSCO 342413
Telecommunications Linesworkers install, maintain and repair external telecommunication equipment such as aerial lines, conduits and underground cables, radio and mobile phone antennae, and limited items of terminal equipment.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Electrical and Telecommunications Trades Assistant
ANZSCO 899914
Electrical or Telecommunications Trades Assistants assist Electrotechnology and Telecommunications Trades Workers to install and maintain electrical and telecommunications systems.
Recommended education level:
Certificate I or secondary education
Training providers delivering Certificate II in Telecommunications Network Build and Operation
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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Australian College Of Training & Assessment (RTO code 40954)
Contact this provider
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Comtech Group (RTO code 90933)
Contact this provider
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J B Hunter (RTO code 90277)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.