Television Aerial Rigger

Television aerial riggers install television and radio aerials, satellite and digital dishes, fix them to buildings and connect them to television and radio sets.

The Work

You could be:

• deciding on a suitable aerial or dish and discussing the best position for it with the customer
• climbing to the top of buildings using ladders and roof ladders


• testing the strength of the broadcast signal with a meter


• fixing the aerial or dish securely in position and running a connecting cable to the television set or radio


• adjusting the aerial or dish to give the best reception, and tuning the set


• repairing the damage to aerials and dishes caused by bad weather


• adding new aerial points in buildings


• working from detailed plans.

Conditions

• You would have to spend a lot of time working on rooftops where there is a risk of falling.


• You would work outdoors in all weather conditions.


• You will have to travel around the local district.


• Hours of work may vary and could include evenings and weekends.


• You would probably have to wear overalls and a safety helmet.

Getting In

• You may be able to enter directly as a trainee.


• You do not always need formal qualifications, but some employers prefer Standard grades in English, maths and a science or technological subject.


• You may need to have a driving licence.


• You need good general health and fitness for this job.


• You need good eyesight and normal colour vision to work with electrical wiring.

What Does It Take?

You need to have:

• an interest in, and understanding of, electronic equipment
• good hand skills


• a pleasant and helpful manner dealing with the public.

• agile, with a good head for heights


• safety conscious


• careful and reliable


• able to work alone and also as part of a team.

Training

• You will normally train on-the-job through an employer’s training scheme.


• You may be able to work towards relevant Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) in Electrical and Electronics Servicing Levels 2 and 3.


• The Confederation of Aerial Industries (CAI) runs short 1-2 day courses in basic radio, TV aerial and satellite installation techniques.


• You need to keep up to date with changes in technology.

Getting On

• With experience, you may be promoted to a supervisory post.
• You may move into sales work.
• You might be able to move into management.


• You could set up your own business and become self-employed.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work


• the size of the company or organisation you work for


• the demand for the job.

More Information

The Confederation of Aerial Industries Ltd (CAI) is the recognised body for the aerial and satellite industry.

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.