Wireless Telecommunications Technical Officer

The qualification shall enable Wireless Telecommunications Technical Officers to install, maintain, and repair wireless telecommunication equipment and systems. Qualified learners can establish own business and create employment for others. A qualified learner will be able to: • Install and configure wireless equipment and related devices. • Troubleshoot and repair wireless equipment faults and network connectivity issues. • Maintain and conduct regular equipment inspections and upgrades. • Work with and support team and clients using effective communication techniques. A qualified learner will demonstrate the following key attributes: • Sense of Urgency. • Adaptability. • Effective. • Team Player. • Critical Thinking. • Practically Orientated. • Customer-focused. • Innovative. • Technology inclined. • Safety minded.

The Higher Occupational Certificate: Wireless Telecommunications Technical Officer has been designed to meet the growing need in South-Africa for an entry level Wireless Telecommunications Technical Officer qualification focused on installing, maintaining, and repairing wireless telecommunication equipment and networks. The qualification addresses the specific competencies required by the following wireless telecommunications equipment focus and sub-sectors: • Cellular & Mobile. • Broadcasting & Media. • Satellite communications. • Data Centres. • Radar. In addition to the specific competencies required by the above-mentioned focus areas the qualification also focuses on technical officers' ability to connect Internet of Things (IoT) devices through a combination of wireless and fixed infrastructure to form client and industry defined network topologies. People with this qualification work in a variety of industries, which includes telecommunications, broadcasting, transportation, and mining. There is no similar qualification registered on the National Qualifications Framework. With the growing demand for wireless communication services, qualified technical officers are in high demand. The Higher Occupational Certificate: Wireless Telecommunications Technical Officer will enhance employability in the telecommunications industry. The qualification was developed to enhance entrepreneurial skillsets which has the added benefit that learners are equipped to start their own wireless telecommunication services businesses, contributing to economic development. The qualification was developed to cater for a wide range of wireless technologies and a focus on connecting Internet of Things (IoT) devices to the network topology. These integrated skillsets will benefit the sector and society as it ensures technical officers are competent to deploy wireless networks, reducing operational costs and improving service delivery. The South African geographical landscape makes the deployment and maintenance of physical communications networks very difficult and expensive. Wireless networks offer better connectivity even in remote or underserved areas, bridging the digital divide in society and promoting the potential for economic growth by providing access to information, education, and healthcare services, improving the overall quality of life. Secure and well-maintained wireless networks improve the overall security of communication systems, safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring safe transactions. The qualification provides for development of datacentres skills sets. Wireless networks linked to datacentres provide industry and the economy with the ability to collect, analyse and utilise the information communicated via wireless network topologies to inform management decisions, update maintenance schedules, and monitor safety and security statuses on land, at sea and in the air. Typical learners include people who are already working within the telecommunications environment and those who wish to enter the field. Representatives working in all spheres of the wireless telecommunications industry were consulted in the review of the qualification. The qualification was developed in collaboration with the relevant industry professional body to ensure the relevant technical competencies are covered in the qualification. Upon completion, candidates may be required to be registered by the professional body for professional recognition.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for Access Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a qualification if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a qualification. Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated, and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors. RPL for Exemption For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. RPL for Credits Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment. A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved. Upon successful completion of the EISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications is approved by the QCTO. Entry Requirements: An NQF Level 4 qualification with Communication and Mathematical Literacy.

• Conduct installation and configuration methods, procedures and techniques on wireless telecommunication equipment and relevant devices.
• Apply troubleshooting and repairing methods, procedures and protocols on wireless telecommunication equipment.
• Apply maintenance and equipment inspections and upgrades methods, procedures and techniques on wireless telecommunication equipment.
• Conduct business management support functions to address business sustainability.