Network cabler
Install, terminate and test the copper and fibre cabling that connects offices, hospitals, data centres and homes to the digital world.
- SalaryNo official figure
- HoursNo official figure published - check job adverts
- Working for yourselfSelf-employment is possible
What the job is like
Network cablers - also called structured cabling installers, network cable installers or communications infrastructure technicians - build the physical backbone of computer networks. You'll run cable containment, pull and terminate copper and fibre-optic cables, build equipment cabinets and test every link so the customer gets a certified, working network.
The work is practical and physical, often on building sites or in client premises, and ranges from a single socket to thousands of outlets across a new office block or fibre runs over many kilometres. It suits tidy, methodical people who like working with their hands and seeing how technology connects together.
What you'll do
- Read project plans, floor plans and patch lists to work out materials and timings
- Install cable trays, trunking and conduit to carry data cables safely
- Pull, terminate and label copper data cables for computers, printers, Wi-Fi and security systems
- Install and terminate fibre-optic cable within and between buildings
- Build and fit out network equipment cabinets, including switches and routers
- Test and certify copper and fibre links and fix any failures
- Keep data cables properly separated from electrical cables
- Work safely at height and in confined spaces, and keep sites tidy
Where you'll work
- Indoors
- Construction sites
- Working at height
- In a team
- On your own
Skills and hobbies that help
Weighted by how much they matter in this job, from the official job profile's skills and tasks. Tap one to see other careers that use it.
Key skills
Used a lot
Handy to have
Hobbies that give you a head start
How to become a network cabler
Apprenticeship
Network cable installer (Level 3, typically around 15 months). Typical job titles include structured cabling installer and telecoms cable installer. A revised assessment plan applies to new starts from 28 January 2027.
College
The National Careers Service lists communications cabling as a relevant college course for telecoms installation work.
Direct application
Installation companies may take on people with experience or qualifications in telecoms, electrical engineering or electrical equipment servicing.
Qualifications, licences and cards
- English and maths must be completed in line with apprenticeship funding rules
- The network cable installer apprenticeship aligns with Associate Member recognition from the Institute of Telecommunication Professionals (ITP)
Where it can lead
- Electrical power networks engineer (an example progression route in the apprenticeship standard)
- Network engineer
Good to know
- The role is physical and often involves lifting and moving heavy equipment.
- You will need to understand health and safety rules such as working at height, asbestos awareness and the Electricity at Work regulations.
- The National Careers Service does not publish a separate salary profile for this job, so no salary figure is shown here.
Courses and training
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Apprenticeship search
Find an apprenticeship – GOV.UK
The official GOV.UK service for searching and applying for apprenticeship vacancies in England.
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Course search
Find a course – National Careers Service
The National Careers Service search for college and training provider courses in England, including Skills Bootcamps.
Official information
Sources
We checked these pages in September 2026. Rules, pay and courses change, so always confirm with the official source.
- skillsengland.education.gov.uk skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0485-v1-2?view=standard
- National Careers Service: Telecoms engineer job profile nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/telecoms-engineer