Put Your Problem Solving Skills to Work as a Wireless Communications Technician!
The Wireless Communications Technician program will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to work with radio frequency (RF) electronics equipment. It is the only program of its kind in British Columbia. Through theoretical and practical study, you will develop the skills needed to install, maintain and repair RF and related electronics equipment. The program emphasizes hands-on, practical training using equipment typically encountered in industry.
Skills in the wireless communications industry are in high demand. If you like working with computers and electronic equipment, if you have good analytical skills, and if you want to work in an exciting, dynamic industry, the Wireless Communications Technician program can open the door to a variety of exciting careers.
A BCIT diploma shows potential employers that you are accomplished, focused, and serious about your chosen career path. Employers know that you have both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and that you can start contributing right away. Both graduates and employers say that BCIT was extremely helpful in preparing grads for work.
Why BCIT?
Great Faculty - You will learn from experienced instructors with a demonstrated
interest in teaching. Our instructors have worked in the industry and
maintain solid local connections through student practicum placements
and through the program advisory committee.
Excellent Labs - Hands-on experience with up-to-date well equipped electronics labs helps you to understand the concepts that you
learn and gives you job-ready, practical skills.
Fantastic Career Choices - You could be working for an end-user of RF equipment doing bench testing, troubleshooting and repair of critical communications equipment. For example, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the RCMP have hired Wireless Technician graduates to keep their communication systems running. You could be working for a manufacturer of RF-related electronics equipment in a quality assurance or service technician role. You might work for a service provider, installing, configuring and maintaining voice and data communication systems, or entertainment systems based on cable and satellite communications.
Degree Completion - With your BCIT diploma and two years of related work experience, you can enter the Bachelor of Technology Management
degree program at BCIT. The Bachelor of Technology Management degree is
a part-time program, so you can continue working while you further your
education.
IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY
Graduates of BCIT's Wireless Communications Technician program allow BC's first responders to communicate seamlessly over the wireless waves. View the BCIT E-comm 911 emergency story above.
Program Entry
If you’re interested in a career as a Wireless Communications Technician, please review the program details, carefully check the entrance requirements, and then submit your application.
Note: that to begin this program, you must be a graduate of a provincially-approved Electronics Technician Common Core program.
The Wireless Communications Technician program begins each fall
in September. A maximum of 16 students are admitted to the program each
year. Students are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis so it’s
important that you apply early.
Spend-A-Day with Us
Want to learn more about our program before you apply? Come spend-a-day
with us. You'll meet students and instructors, and get a hands-on feel
for what the program is about. Find out more »
If you have questions regarding the entrance requirements or the application process, visit Admission & Registration or if you want to discuss the program in more detail, contact the Program Head, Greg_Lambrecht@bcit.ca or 604.453.4089.
Provincial exam marks are required for English 12, Communications 12, and Technical and Professional Communications 12. BCIT does not require provincial exams for Grade 12 Math and Science courses.
Continual intake program with applications processed throughout the year. Applications are wait-listed (first-come, first-served).
myCommunication
Within 2 to 3 weeks of applying to a program, you will be sent a letter in the mail confirming receipt of your application. The letter will identify your student number, BCIT e-mail address and instructions on how to login to your myBCIT account.
All official BCIT correspondence will be sent to your myBCIT account. Check myCommunication often during the application process and throughout your studies at BCIT.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within 2 to 8 weeks.
Costs & Supplies
Find out how much you will need to complete your diploma in Wireless Communications Technician!
The information below will help you determine the cost of taking the program and assist you in developing a budget for your two
years of study. If you have concerns about being able to afford the program, please visit Financial Aid to learn how you may benefit from financial assistance.
Tuition fees
Please see the Fees, Payments and Refunds section of the website for more information on full-time tuition fees.
Books and supplies
Level 1: $320; Level 2: $320; Level 3: $320
(general estimated cost, and subject to change)
Explore the courses and classes you will be taking!
Your studies will combine classroom work and lectures with practical laboratory sessions designed to reinforce the theory. You will work on the latest equipment, studying the theoretical
and practical aspects of RF, data, satellite, navigation and cellular communications systems. You will learn as part of a team, working with other students and with your instructors to solve problems.
You will complete a three-week practicum working as a technician for a local company, gaining experience and employment contacts.
At your own well-equipped lab workstation, you will have your own networked computer, communications monitor, frequency counter and digital DMM in addition to standard electronics bench equipment. Two-way mobile and trunk radios, a wireless LAN, a spread spectrum radio network, a microwave repeater site and a basic cell site are all available to give you hands-on experience with all types of wireless communication equipment.
Studying and learning in a class of only 16 students, you will develop close working relationships and lifelong friendships with your classmates.
Class hours
0800–1500, Monday through Friday
Program matrix
Level 1 (12 weeks)
Credits
TRFX 2105
Wireless Communications
This course is designed to introduce the student to the concepts of electronics that are related to the transmission and reception of radio frequency (RF) signals. The course commences with a review of relevant basic electronic circuits including filters, amplifiers and oscillators, reinforced with selected laboratory experiments. Wireless communication system fundamentals such as the frequency spectrum, noise, RF emission classifications, bandwidth, and waveform analysis are covered. Information transmission in analog and digital forms is discussed. Amplitude Modulation (AM) transmission principles are introduced to the student.
This course introduces the student to the theoretical and operational analysis of Amplitude Modulation (AM), Single Side Band (SSB), Frequency Modulation (FM), and Phase Modulation (PM) schemes as applied to radio transmission and reception. Common transmitter and receiver configurations, technical specifications, and schematics are investigated. Students will receive hands-on experience with all of the RF transmission schemes. Frequency synthesizers and phase locked loop (PLL) circuits are also introduced. Commercial FM radio transmissions are examined and students are introduced to advanced digital modulation techniques. The basic theory of spread spectrum radio systems is introduced. Laboratory exercises include programming and performance testing of simple radio transceivers. Prerequisites: TRFX 2105
This course will provide students with the skills to prepare for the workplace. It will focus on professional skills pertaining to appearance, conduct, and workplace etiquette. Training in effective work ethics, customer relations, conflict resolution, and job interview techniques will be provided. Students will prepare cover letters and technical resumes. The course will also provide students with the necessary hand skills to work in a technical environment. Use of basic hand tools for the radio technician will be introduced. This instruction will include proper selection and usage of screwdrivers, wrenches, socket wrenches and drills. Safety protocols while using hand tools will be covered.
Radio Frequency (RF) Transmission Lines and Antennas
This course investigates RF signal propagation in cables and through free space. Concepts related to cable transmission of the RF signal will include the propagation of the signal within the cable and possible transmission impairment. Free space propagation of an RF signal as an Electromagnetic (E/M) field is examined, including the various modes of propagation of the signal. The properties of RF signal propagation by an antenna system will be explored. RF filtering systems are introduced and the theory of operation of a cavity filter is studied. The practical component of this course will include forward and reflected power measurements, Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) minimization and Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) fault location techniques for transmission line systems. Antenna operational parameters will be measured and cavity filter alignment will be performed by the students. Impedance matching techniques are also examined. Prerequisites: TRFX 2110
In this course the student will examine the basic air, land and marine navigation systems in use today. Navigation principles and navigational terms will be covered. Basic aviation navigational systems will be introduced along with secondary IFF aviation radar system fundamentals. Global Positioning System (GPS) and associated technologies will be studied in-depth. Marine navigational information systems including Automatic Identification System (AIS), Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS) and search and rescue (SARS) systems will be examined. The student will also investigate the rapidly growing industry of Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) systems and the multitude of applications being utilized. Prerequisites: TRFX 2110 and TRFX 3115
This course introduces the student to fundamentals of waveguide and microwave device theory. Health hazards and safe working/testing conditions are stressed at the start. The course explores the principles of satellite communications, covering orbits, signal propagation and processing. Fundamentals of radar are discussed with a focus on pulsed radar system basics. Advanced systems such as phased array and marine radar are introduced. Prerequisites: TRFX 2110 and TRFX 3105
Starting from an overview of the Public Switched Telephone network (PSTN), this course explores the data transfer process from between Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) environments. Discussion in the WAN area focuses on the implementation of data transfer using the North American Digital Hierarchy (T-1). The course enables students to implement a data communications network. Data transfer equipment will be programmed using common industry standards such as serial data transfer and Internet Protocol (IP). Practical exercises focus on data network reliability and functionality testing. Advanced troubleshooting techniques are explored.
This course introduces the student to the principles and practices involved in producing high-reliability solder interconnections. Students will practice various processes for wire soldering including through-hole circuit board component soldering and surface mount component soldering. High-reliability rework and repair of single and double sided circuit boards is also discussed. Emphasis is placed on the recognition of acceptable standards for electronic assemblies as specified by American National Standards Institute ANSI/IPC-A-610.
This course will introduce the student to the installation procedures and industry standards applicable to the installation of copper and fibre optic cables in a commercial building. The course follows the Canadian Standards Association, CSA T 529-B (Telecommunications Industry Association TIA/EIA 568-B) standard. In addition to the latest CSA T529-B standard, common Telephone Company installation procedures are explored. The student will learn the proper use of hand tools in fibre optic and copper cable termination. After installation, the cables will be tested in accordance with the applicable CSA standards. A high degree of importance is placed on the development of good hand skills.
In this course, students will learn the correct usage of technical manuals. Advanced troubleshooting methodologies using logical fault finding are explored in the lab. General safety practices specifically related to the RF industry will be reviewed. Industry specific hand skills will be developed. The remainder of the course is dedicated to a work sharing experience within the Lower Mainland wireless industry. Each student will be placed within a host company to job shadow professional technicians. Students will receive some field training and will have opportunities to put into practice their knowledge of test equipment and troubleshooting analysis. Prerequisites: TRFX 2110 and TRFX 2210 and TRFX 4110
The student is introduced to the concepts of system monitoring, troubleshooting, and modification. Advanced antenna coupling configurations are explored. Various trunked radio systems are reviewed and a commercial Logical Trunked Radio (LTR) system is studied. Land based data communications networks are integrated with wireless communications systems. Students will examine and configure a wireless Local Area Network (LAN) within the lab. Instruction on system performance and acceptance will be accompanied by professional documentation practices. The fundamentals of Internet and Radio Over IP (RoIP) operation are also introduced. Students will configure different RF communications systems within the lab. Prerequisites: TRFX 3110 and TRFX 3115 and TRFX 3205
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if
they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's
Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
The program information below provides a synopsis of the Wireless Communications Technician program where you will gain some insight into your training at BCIT and the kinds of hands-on skills you will acquire.
Students in the Wireless Telecommunications Technician program learn the theory, communication standards, measurement and test equipment, and the standard practices of the wireless telecommunications industry.
As a student in the program you will learn:
The theory and standards associated with radio frequency (RF) communication and transmission systems
The theory and standards associated with video display and distribution, cellular communication systems, navigation systems and satellite communications
To evaluate the performance of and troubleshoot RF communication systems
To install, configure, test and document data communication systems, navigation systems and LANs
To bench test, isolate faults and repair RF equipment
To calibrate, use and maintain industry
Standard test equipment
high-reliability soldering
Program length
35 weeks, full-time
Grading
All courses adhere to a percentage-based grading structure, and require a minimum passing grade of 70% GPA per level. Students must obtain 70% in one level before advancing to the next level.
Explore the exceptional career opportunities in Wireless Communications Technician!
What's in it for you?
A rewarding job as a Technician
Your BCIT diploma opens the door to an exciting career as a technician – a technical expert who works in a team to solve problems and is relied upon to install, maintain and repair electronic equipment.
An edge in the job market
A BCIT diploma shows potential employers that you are accomplished, focused, and serious about your chosen career path. Employers know that you have both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and that you can start contributing right away. Both graduates and employers say that BCIT was extremely helpful in preparing grads for work.
A broad range of employment possibilities
The job market for wireless communications technicians is strong. As a graduate of the program, you will have opportunities with large and small companies in a variety of roles. Most graduates start out in hands-on technical roles, but there are many opportunities to move into technical sales or managerial roles if you are interested.
Some of the many employers of BCIT Wireless Communications Technician graduates include:
The following link takes you to graduate outcome survey results containing mostly labour market results from the 2010-2012 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2009-2011 Graduates. Note: The survey results will be displayed in a separate browser window. To view these results, you need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
Our instructors are committed to keeping their skills current, and regularly attend advanced training courses.
You will also learn from people who are active in local industry. Guest lecturers introduce the latest technology and are available to answer your questions.
The advisory board of industry experts meets biannually to review the program focus and content, ensuring that our program and your skills are up-to-date.
Faculty and Staff
Greg Lambrecht, Chief Instructor
Blair Thompson-Jendrysek, Instructor
Jill Simmons, Administrative Assistant
Alex Wai, Instructor
Terry Knudson, MBA, BEd, DipT, C.Q., Associate Dean
Trevor Williams, BSc, MSc (Mech Eng), PEng, Dean, School of Energy
Advisory committee
Douglas Bigrigg, Argosy Communication Products Ltd.
Werner Brunke, RCMP
Robert Dahn, CMC Electronics Inc.
Earl Friesen, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canadian Coast Guard Electronic Workshop
Mike Hamanishi, Samlex America Inc.
Darren Hamaoki, Imtech Marine Canada Inc.
Blair Kent, E-Comm Emergency Communications
Al MacTaggart, Telus Mobility
Ryan Rowat, BC Communications Inc.
Ralph Ryan, Glentel Inc.
Rod Sakakibara, Canadian Coast Guard Vancouver Electronic Workshop
Allan Suckling, RCMP - E Division
Contact Us
Spend-A-Day with Us
Want to learn more about our program before you apply? Come spend-a-day
with us. You'll meet students and instructors, and get a hands-on feel
for what the program is about. Find out more »
If you want to discuss the program in more detail, contact the Program Head, Greg_Lambrecht@bcit.ca or 604.453.4089.
Questions or comments?
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As BCIT strives to keep our programs current, programs and courses are subject to change without notice.
“The BCIT radio program offers its students the best training possible because it consults with industry leaders when developing its program. It has an incredible training facility with up to date equipment that ensures that students are prepared for their future in the real world. If you want an interesting career with tremendous growth potential, I would consider this program.”
Ryan Rowat
BCIT grad and General Manager, BC Communications Inc.
Testimonial
Greg Lambrecht, helping students achieve their goals
"For me, the best part of my job is running into graduated students. I feel proud to see that the students are doing well in their field of study, and knowing that I have helped them to achieve their goals."
Sean now works as a Radio/Communications Technician for the RCMP
Sean Wharrie came to BCIT at the age of 33, determined to find a new career. After eight years in the glass industry he was ready for a new direction and new challenges. Sean figured electronics would offer that challenge and a work environment that suited him.
There is no typical day on the job for Jason Di Stefano, a 2002
graduate of BCIT’s Wireless Communications Technician program. “One day
I could be repairing broken equipment in the shop and the next day I
could be flying in a helicopter to reach one of our remote
communications sites.”
