How to become a Broadcasting Technician
Broadcasting technicians install, start up, maintain and repair equipment used for the transmission and reception of television and radio broadcast signals. This includes transmitters, microphones, mixing desks, tape recorders, CD players, computers, television cameras and telecine equipment. They may also work on microwave and satellite equipment used for the transmission and reception of voice, data and images.
Personal requirements for a Broadcasting Technician
- Normal eyesight and colour vision
- Good with hands
- Technical ability
- Aptitude for mathematics and science
- Adaptable and willing to learn about emerging technologies
- A fast and methodical approach to work
Education & Training for a Broadcasting Technician
To become a broadcasting technician you usually have to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10. You can also become a broadcasting technician by completing a VET qualification in electronics and communications. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.
Additional information
When working at heights, industry standards require broadcasting technicians to complete a Work Safely at Heights short course provided by a Registered Training Organisation. You may need to have an electrical licence.
Duties & Tasks of a Broadcasting Technician
Broadcasting technicians:
- Check equipment to ensure it is operating properly (antennas, remote controls and auxiliary power units, for example)
- Study reports and talk to equipment operators to get details of problems
- Replace faulty wiring and terminals, and re-solder connections
- Find and replace faulty assemblies and parts (such as capacitors, transistors, integrated circuits, printed circuit boards and transformers) using electronic test equipment
- Check output power, frequency and modulation using test equipment
- Assist with building, installing and adjusting new equipment.
Tasks
- Maintains and repairs radio and television transmitters and associated equipment.
- Operates microwave equipment to transmit video information to transmitter sites and receive video signals from remote locations.
Working conditions for a Broadcasting Technician
They work mainly indoors in TV, radio or recording studios and emergency services communication centres, but also work outdoors on location. There may be some heavy lifting when moving equipment to a workshop, and they may be required to work at heights. Shiftwork is common.
Employment Opportunities for a Broadcasting Technician
Most broadcasting technicians work in radio and television broadcasting. Some broadcasting technicians are employed by pay TV/telecommunications companies or work in the movie industry. A few are self-employed. Broadcasting technicians are also employed in other industries that produce employee communications, sales and training programs. Some commercial radio and television stations employ and train staff who are still studying for their qualifications. There is strong competition for available jobs.
Specializations
Wireless Communications Technician
A wireless communications technician installs, maintains and repairs cellular communications equipment, radio systems and Local Area Networks (LANs). They also test, adjust, repair or replace defective equipment and components, ensuring that correct calibration and frequencies are met.
Broadcasting Technician
Broadcasting technicians install, start up, maintain and repair equipment used for the transmission and reception of television and radio broadcast signals. This includes transmitters, microphones, mixing desks, tape recorders, CD players, computers, television cameras and telecine equipment. They may also work on microwave and satellite equipment used for the transmission and reception of voice, data and images.
Average age
37
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
23% female
Average full-time
40 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Average unemployment
Full-Time Share
80%
Employment Size
430
Employment by state
ACT: 6.6%
NSW: 55.9%
NT: 1.7%
QLD: 7.3%
SA: 1.7%
TAS: 0.7%
VIC: 21.0%
WA: 5.1%
Age brackets
15-19: 1.7%
20-24: 10.9%
25-34: 39.7%
35-44: 21.5%
45-54: 18.2%
55-59: 4.1%
60-64: 3.1%
65 and Over: 0.7%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 20.8%
Bachelor degree: 29.2%
Certificate III/IV: 13.7%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 2.5%
Year 10 and below: 2.2%
Year 11: 2.5%
Year 12: 29.2%
