Signal Technician

Overview

As a member of the military, Signal Technicians are experts in telecommunication technologies. They maintain, repair, configure, administer, and modify leading edge communication systems. They are a part of a larger team that provides the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) with communications and information services throughout Canada and around the world.

• Wired and wireless communications systems
• Radio, satellite, and microwave broadband technology
• Radar location and detection technology
• Fibre optic and copper wire broadband technology
• Voice and data network defence, configuration, and administration

Signal Technicians experience the unique adventures and challenges that come with working outdoors, in military vehicles, and in maintenance work shops. Signal Technicians work across the country and around the world wherever the CAF has a footprint.

If you chose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit.

Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full‑time employment.

• Direct Entry Options
• Paid Education Options

No previous work experience or career related skills are required. CAF recruiters can help you decide if your personal interests and attributes match the criteria for this occupation.

The minimum required education to apply for this occupation is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec including:

• Gr 10 Academic Math or Secondary 4 in Quebec; and
• Gr 10 Science or Secondary 4 in Quebec

Foreign education may be accepted.

Non-Commissioned Member Subsidized Training and Education Plan (NCMSTEP)

Because this position requires specialty training, the CAF will pay successful recruits to attend the diploma program at an approved Canadian college. NCMSTEP students attend basic training and on-the-job training during the summer months. They receive full-time salary including medical and dental care, as well as vacation time with full-pay in exchange for working with the CAF for a period of time.

If you choose to apply to this program, you must apply both to the CAF and the appropriate college.

The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course, or Basic Training, held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint‑Jean‑sur‑Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. A goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.

Signal Technicians attend the Canadian Forces School of Communication and Electronics in Kingston, Ontario. Training takes approximately 16 months and is separated into two parts. Part one is equivalent to a two‑year electronics engineering technician program and teaches the following skills and knowledge:

• Electrical and electronic theory
• Digital electronic theory
• Signal processing devices and operation
• Power supplies theory
• Radio and antenna systems theory
• Satellite and microwave systems theory
• Use of basic and advanced test instrumentation

Part two of the program includes specific training on communications systems and equipment. You will learn the following skills and knowledge:

• Radio communications and information security
• Installation and operation of communications and information systems
• Maintenance and operation of power generating systems
• Communication systems and equipment maintenance and repair techniques
• Installation and maintenance of fibre optic and copper wire systems
• Basic Routing and Switching Concepts
• Use of advanced…