Cable Jointer
(Telecommunications Line and Cable Worker, Fibre Optics Cable Splicer, Fibre Optics Jointer)
Fact Sheet
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Making repairs to overhead cabling |
Cable jointers make and repair joins in insulated power supply and control cables installed in underground pipes, trenches and overhead systems. They also prepare cable terminations for electrical equipment and overhead lines.
Cable jointers also install and maintain underground electrical cables used to transmit and distribute electricity in city and country areas, new housing estates and industrial centres.
Duties and Tasks
Cable jointers may perform the following tasks:
- pull electrical cables through underground pipes (or conduits) and join cables in transmission and distribution systems
- prepare low- and high-voltage cable joints and cable terminations while connecting and installing electrical equipment and overhead lines
- test and locate cable faults, and maintain and repair cables
- update location diagrams for the layout of cable systems
- make sure that conductors are correctly connected between sub-stations and customers' premises when installing and making repairs
- assist in manufacturing and preparing cable jointing components
- dig trenches and service pits or tunnels
- encase cables in protective covers
- work with other staff to install or replace cables.
Quick Facts
School subjects that include some aspect of INDUSTRIAL ARTS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases an industrial arts-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of MATHEMATICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a mathematics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of PHYSICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a physics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Use of precision or semi-precision tools or instruments or deft hand movements are required for these occupations. Included are jobs where poor co-ordination or incomplete use of hands or fingers may make tasks dangerous or difficult to undertake.
These jobs require you to be able to see clearly to examine items close-up. It covers jobs where poor vision e.g. tunnel vision, could make the work place unsafe or the job difficult to undertake, e.g. draftsperson working with detailed drawings; checkout operator reading dockets; work requiring good hand-eye co-ordination for working with precision or semi-precision tools.
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than three-quarters of their day outdoors, exposed to the weather. They may report back to an office, station, depot or other central site.
The main duties and tasks involved in these jobs require daily physical exertion, such as bending and twisting, lifting, climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying or other effort where physical fitness is required. People with heart, back or other conditions who should avoid physical strain may wish to avoid these jobs.
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
Included are jobs involved in metal fitting and machining, forging, sheetmetal work, metal casting and finishing and other metal tradespersons, jobs in the electrical and electronics fields, such as fitting, appliance servicing, refrigeration and airconditioning, electrical mechanics, communications equipment, and jobs in the automotive industry.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH THINGS, using the hands, or special tools or equipment to make, fix, install or adjust them. Activities include doing practical and physical tasks, and may require an understanding of how equipment or machinery works.
These jobs do not usually require completion of secondary education, however further part-time study usually at Certificate III level, and on-the-job training offered as an apprenticeship, is required.
Work Conditions
Cable jointers mainly work outdoors, sometimes in cramped and confined conditions or at heights. They often work in sub-stations, which reduce high-voltage electricity to lower levels for consumer use. They need to maintain good relations with property owners, tenants and authorities. Cable jointers often work as part of a team.
Personal Requirements
- enjoy practical work
- normal eyesight, colour vision and physical fitness
- good hand-eye coordination
- safety conscious
- able to work at heights
- communication skills.