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What are the personal requirements for success in this field?
The physical requirements of a communications technician vary from low physical effort bench technician jobs, to high physical strength transmission tower installers. Bench technician’s work inside in a controlled, comfortable atmosphere with little lifting or bending. Other positions may require more bending, lifting and standing. Contrary to popular belief, although some math background is helpful, only basic algebra skills are needed to succeed in this field. Both men and women make excellent technicians.
What is the employment outlook?
Currently, nearly 100% of graduates who actively look for work are gainfully employed in this industry. Forecasts for future placements are excellent. Individuals, companies, and organizations cannot exist without worldwide communication technicians. The tremendous growth in communication developments has no end in sight and is occurring in fiber optics, satellite, microwave and RF communications, personal communications systems (PCS), cellular, and mobile communications just to name a few. Further developments are just over the horizon. Don’t miss out on the explosion of opportunities installing and maintaining communication technologies systems for the new millennium.
What are the salary ranges I can expect?
Average starting wages for the program graduate is $15 to $18 per hour plus benefits. Recent graduates have started at $20 and more. Typical journey level wages range from about $18 to $35 per hour plus a full benefit package.
Can I earn a degree from this program?
Yes! The Wireless Voice and Data Communications program is approved by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges for the Associate of Technology Degree. Credits are transferable to local Community College institutions. Students must complete all program, academic and workplace competencies to be eligible for a degree.
What are the program pre-requisites?
All pre-requisites are met through completion of Advanced Technologies Core block, which instructs students in Basic Fundamentals, Semiconductor Devices, and Digital Logic Applications. Students with previous education may be granted credit for the core classes.
How long until I am working in the industry?
 The entire program, including the core electronics block, workplace and general education or academic competencies, and industry specific skills, takes approximately 22 months. We are a competency-based learning institution which means once a student proves proficient in an area, they are given credit and move on to the next competency or task. This allows students with previous experience or education, and motivated students to complete much quicker than the advertised 22 months. In addition, students are rarely assigned homework, therefore students wishing to work on assignments after school hours, may complete sooner. Students may attend classes on a part time basis, but are encouraged to attend full time. Some students obtain paid Work Based Learning externship employment after completing a portion of the program and continue their education while gaining valuable work experience. Students receive curriculum credits while working on the job and getting paid. Typically these externship work agreements turn into full time permanent employment.
How do I know the course curriculum is relevant and applicable?
The Wireless Voice and Data Communications program has been a cornerstone program at Bates Technical College for over 40 years, and continues to evolve to meet industry needs and changes. Our curriculum is based on industry input for skills and competencies needed to perform work at the job site. Advisory committees comprised of industry experts advise instructors to ensure our competencies keep up with the latest work developments. We continuously incorporate new technologies to stay current in today’s rapidly changing industries. We have an active advisory committee that meets regularly to guide program content and curriculum to be certain that our training conforms to current industry standards and practices.
Why choose Bates?
Bates is the state's largest public technical college in the state and has been training people for employment in exciting careers for nearly 70 years. As a publicly funded college, Bates is accredited and part of the state community and technical college system. We provide financial aid dollars to qualified students and work closely with the Department of Labor and Industries, Vocational Rehabilitation and Veterans Administration. We provide affordable tuition and financial aid for those who qualify, as well as an on-site day care facility. Bates has a Job Service Center located on campus, and career specialists to assist you in your educational pursuits, goals and successes.
How and when can I start?
Bates enrolls students on a quarterly basis. Register as soon as possible to avoid any delays. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the instructor directly at 253.680.7358 or e-mail at lrobertson @ bates.ctc.edu for more information regarding the program or to schedule a personal interview. For information regarding financial aid, testing, available start dates or to enroll in the exciting and profitable field of Wireless Voice and Data Communications, call a career specialist at 253.680.7002, or come directly to 1101 S. Yakima Ave., and a career specialist will gladly assist you.
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