Telecommunications Specialist

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Telecommunications Specialist. A Telecommunications Specialist installs, configures, commissions, tests and maintains Customer Premises Equipment. A qualified learner will be able to: • Plan and organise the installation of Customer Premises Equipment according to specifications. • Install and configure Customer Premises Equipment according to industry standards and technologies. • Test and commission Customer Premises Equipment according to industry standards and technologies. • Support end-user to use the Customer Premises Equipment. • Trouble-shoot and maintain Customer Premises Equipment according to specifications.

The evolution of broad band technology and application thereof, is demanding converged network infrastructure in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector. This requires the workforce to continuously gain new competencies, skills and knowledge in new technologies resulting in the application of different installation processes and utilisation of new approaches to gain access to customers' premises. All these changes have prompted the industry to initiate the process of realigning the currently registered qualification to expand on the existing standards. This process was further motivated by the fact that there are no registered Telecommunications related qualifications. This qualification will be the first occupationally based qualification. Participants in the realignment process include representatives of various organisations within the telecommunications industry. Some of these organisations included amongst others: ICASA, Telkom, Training Providers, Vulatel, Orange Business Services, DARTCOM, etc. This qualification is aimed at learners ranging from: (1) people with workplace experience in the telecommunications Industry as well as other industries who would like to formalise their training, (2) school leavers and graduates who want to pursue a career as Telecommunications Network Engineers (Telecommunications Specialists). The qualification provides the learner with the flexibility to articulate in the Telecommunications environment with a wide variety of specialisation options within the Telecommunications Information Technology, Construction, Energy, Banking, Mining, Electronic sectors, etc. Learners who successfully complete this qualification can advance their careers by enrolling in higher level qualifications. Further enhancement of this qualification may lead to higher levels of business success or entrepreneurial opportunities. Upon completion of this qualification, learners are eligible for employment as Telecommunications Specialist into the different sectors such as Telecommunication Information Technology, Construction, Energy, Banking, Mining, Electronic, etc. Businesses, organisations, and communities will benefit from this qualification by being served by a qualified Telecommunications Specialist, who have the necessary competencies, skills and knowledge to install, maintain, upgrade, commission and test Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), efficiently and effectively. By addressing critical skills shortages in the industry, raising the level of service quality, and creating job opportunities that will contribute towards building the economy of South Africa.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for Access to the Qualification Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment. Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record. Entry Requirements: • An NQF Level 4 qualification with Mathematical Literacy.

• Plan and organise the installation of Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) according to specifications.
• Install and configure Customer Premises Equipment according to industry standards and technologies.
• Test and commission Customer Premises Equipment according to industry standards and technologies.
• Support end-user to use the Customer Premises Equipment.
• Trouble-shoot and maintain Customer Premises Equipment according to specifications.