5242 Telecoms and related network installers and repairers

In short

• ONS unit group 5242, in minor group 524 (Electrical and electronic trades) and major group 5 (Skilled trades occupations).
• Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): Transitional tables only: Table 1a, Table 2aa.
• Going rate as the tables print it:
  • Table 1a, Going rate (SW – options A and D): £36,700 (£18.82 per hour)
  • Table 2aa, Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU): £31,700 (£16.26 per hour)

What the ONS says

Description

Telecoms and related network installers and repairers install, maintain and repair public and private telephone systems and maintain, test and repair telecoms cables.

Typical entry routes

There are no formal academic requirements, although entrants typically possess GCSEs/S grades or an equivalent qualification. Apprenticeships and traineeships combining work experience and practical training are available at NVQ/SVQ levels 2 and 3.

Tasks

• installs internal cabling and wiring for telephone systems and networks and fits and wires junction and distribution boxes
• fixes connecting wires from underground and aerial lines to premises and connects cable terminals to inside wiring
• installs telephones, switchboards and coin operated phone boxes
• uses testing equipment to locate defective components of circuitry and makes any necessary repairs
• tests installation and makes any further necessary adjustments
• assists with the erection of wooden poles or steel towers to carry overhead lines
• connects cables and tests for any defects
• locates and repairs faults to lines and ancillary equipment
• erects and maintains mobile telecoms infrastructure

Related job titles

• Cable jointer
• Customer service engineer (telecoms)
• Installation engineer (telecoms)
• Network officer (telecoms)
• Telecom engineer
• Telephone engineer

What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says

The Appendix lists this code in the tables below, with the tables’ own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.

Table 1a: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code

5242 Telecoms and related network installers and repairers

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Telecoms and related network installers and repairers

Going rate (SW – options A and D)

£36,700 (£18.82 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option B)

Not applicable

80% of going rate (SW – option C)

Not applicable

70% of going rate (SW – option E)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

No

Table 2aa: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code

5242 Telecoms and related network installers and repairers

Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)

5242, 5249

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Telecoms and related network installers and repairers

Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU)

£31,700 (£16.26 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option G)

Not applicable

80% of going rate (SW – option H)

Not applicable

70% of going rate (SW – option J, GTR)

£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

No

Other unit groups in minor group 524

• 5241 Electricians and electrical fitters
• 5243 Tv, video and audio servicers and repairers
• 5244 Computer system and equipment installers and servicers
• 5245 Security system installers and repairers
• 5246 Electrical service and maintenance mechanics and repairers
• 5249 Electrical and electronic trades n.e.c.

Sources

Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.

All 412 occupation codes

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