Digital Communications and Wireless Technologies

Apply Now Contact Us

Info sessions

Explore all upcoming BCIT info sessions.

Check it out!

guy in green jacket outside of a green metal cylindrical structure

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.”

Introduction to Fibre Optics

fiber optic wire end

BCIT Telecommunications Systems Technician instructor Mike Lowe provides an example of an inventive (and fun!) online learning video.

Introduction to Fiber Optics – Mike Lowe

Watch this video on YouTube.

Are you an educator and want to have a BCIT Instructor speak to your students?

“Every company in our industry is in need of technicians and this is the program to take. Well-deployed networks are the backbone of the smart home industry. These are the grads we hire.”

Drew at Pure Image Technology

Overview

Digital Communications and Wireless Technologies is a two-year program that prepares students for careers in the data and wireless/radio frequency (RF) telecommunications industries. Digital communications is the transfer and reception of data in the form of a digital bitstream or a digitized analog signal transmitted over a point-to-point or point-to-multipoint communication channel. Examples of such channels are copper wires, optical fibers, wireless communication using radio spectrum, storage media and computer buses. Graduates of the program are employed as technicians and technical specialists in companies that provide the services, infrastructure and technologies that support these different channels of telecommunication.

The program

The Digital Communications and Wireless Technologies program will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to work in the wide-ranging telecommunications industry. The goal of the program is to touch on all the vital topics needed to produce a well-rounded digital communications professional.

After covering the basic electrical and electronic theory in the first term, the program progresses to Structured Cabling systems, covering various cabling techniques for copper and fiber optic networks, with a particular emphasis on practical skills. Networking concepts are introduced from the basics using modern switches and routers. Advanced networking concepts are taught in the second year, and students are encouraged to take the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Exam upon completion.

In year one, students complete an introductory course on the Linux operating system, followed by a course on the fundamentals and design strategies of voice networks. This leads to a second-year course on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems, which utilizes Mitel telecommunications hardware and solutions. The program also covers Wide Area Network (WAN) design and maintenance, utilizing Computer Aided Design (CAD) to modify Outside Plant (OSP) drawings. During the second year, students are introduced to wireless communications systems. This starts with courses on radio frequency (RF) communication theory and antenna systems used for wireless voice and data networks. Concepts involved in location and GPS systems are taught, which are used for wireless systems location and tracking. The wireless training concludes with a course on practical applications of wireless telecommunication systems in the RF Applications course. The program strongly focuses on digital communications concepts and introduces the Internet of Things (IoT) using Raspberry Pi and the Arduino microcontroller. The program culminates in an IoT project as well as a short industry placement in the form of a practicum.

Skills in the telecommunications 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 Digital Communications and Wireless Technologies 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 incredibly instrumental 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 in well equipped electronics labs help you better 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 our graduates to keep their communication systems running. You might work for a telecommunications 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 one year 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.

Entrance Requirements

If you’re interested in a career as in the telecommunications industry, please review the program details, carefully check the entrance requirements, and then submit your application.

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.

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 Department Head at 604.432.8223.

Application processing

Open to applications beginning October 1st (or next business day).

Applications are considered for a specific intake; this program does not carry a wait list from year to year.

Entrance requirements

Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first qualified basis as long as space remains. When available intakes are full, qualified applicants are wait-listed.

Applicants must meet all entrance requirements prior to applying to this program. If you are uncertain or don’t meet the requirements we strongly recommend you complete any applicable Trades Entry Assessments before applying.

English: two years of education in English in an English-speaking country with one of the following:
- English Studies 12 (50%) or
- English First Peoples 12 (50%) or
- Acceptable equivalent high school course or
- 3.0 credits of post-secondary English, humanities or social sciences (50%) from a recognized institution or
- BCIT English Trades Entry Assessment (for applicants who have two years of education in an English-speaking country only)
Math: one of the following:
- Pre-Calculus 11 (60%) or
- Foundations of Math 11 (60%) or
- Workplace Math 11 (60%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
- BCIT Math Trades Entry Assessment

International applicants

This program is available to international applicants. A valid study permit is required prior to starting the program.

Students enrolled in this program must complete the mandatory work component to qualify for graduation. A co-op work permit is required prior to starting the work component.

Apply to program

To submit your application:

Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.

Apply Now

Learn more about how to apply

Scheduled Intakes

September each year.

myCommunication

Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT e-mail addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We'll send you an e-mail when a new message is posted. It's important to watch for these e-mails or regularly check your account online.

You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.

Advanced Placement

Conditions

You may be eligible to apply to an advanced level of the program through direct entry. Please note that applications are considered based on:

Complete applications: you must show proof that you have completed (or are registered in) all requirements to be considered.
Competitive entry: if the number of applicants exceeds available seats, BCIT will accept those deemed to have the best opportunity for success.
Seat availability: confirmation may not be available until approximately one week before the term begins.

Direct entry

If you are new to the program but have completed the BCIT Electronics Technician Common Core Certificate, you may be eligible for direct entry to Term 2 (January start).

BCIT accepts complete applications starting October 1st (or next business day).

Submit the following with your online application:

Proof of meeting all general entrance requirements
Proof of completion of the BCIT Electronics Technician Common Core Certificate or an equivalent certificate from another recognized institution
Course-by-Course Self-Assessment Form [PDF]

Ready to submit your application? Apply now.

Costs & Supplies

Find out how much you will need to complete your Digital Communications and Wireless Technologies Diploma!

The information below will help you determine the cost of taking the program, and will 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 Full-Time Tuition & Fees pages for tuition fee amounts:

Books & supplies

$900 (general estimated cost, and subject to change)

Financial assistance

Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.

Courses

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.

guy with blonde hair in beige t-shirt touching a mechanical panel

Your hands on learning will take place in well-equipped labs such as the telephony lab, the data lab, the RF lab and the cabling lab.

In the data lab, you will have your own workstation to study computer operating systems and data transfer. The lab has its own Ethernet local area network (LAN), a representative wide area network (WAN), CISCO routers for internet routing, and Alcatel bandwidth managers for system performance testing. In the cabling lab, all the latest industry tools used for cable terminations, cable installation and testing cabling systems are available. The telephony lab has Nortel and Mitel systems. The RF lab is also well-equipped with a 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.

You will complete a three-week practicum working as a technician for a local company, gaining experience and employment contacts.

Class hours

0800-1500, Monday through Friday

Program matrix

Term 1 (15 weeks)			Credits
	DCOM 1500	Technical Skills This foundational course aims to prepare students to develop the skills to perform the tasks they will encounter as they progress through the Digital Communications and Wireless Technologies program. The course will include theoretical concepts, as well as practical application of knowledge. With a focus on electrical safety, the course also includes Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS) training. Students will learn the basic skills needed to prepare and solder wires to connectors and electronic components, as well as how to build circuits on a breadboard from a schematic diagram. Students will develop the math skills typically used by a telecom technician, including power of ten and engineering notation, metric prefixes, logarithms, and trigonometric functions, among others. Students will also learn basic technical writing and graphing for technical reports. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	6.0
	DCOM 1510	DC Circuits This course provides the foundation required for understanding resistive electronic circuits, including basic electrical principles and components. The concepts of the quantities of charge, voltage, current, resistance, energy and power are developed. Ohm's Law, Kirchhoff's Voltage Law and Kirchhoff's Current Law are used to analyze series, parallel and series-parallel direct current (DC) circuits. DC test equipment will be used for measurements. General troubleshooting strategies and techniques are introduced, with emphasis on methods used to isolate faults in an efficient and logical manner. Analysis of capacitors and inductors in DC circuits is covered. Electromagnetism and the operation of relays is introduced. Theory is reinforced with hands-on practice. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	6.0
	DCOM 1520	AC Circuits This course provides the foundation required for the understanding of electronic circuits with alternating current (AC) sources. The characteristics of various AC waveforms are discussed and measured. Students will learn how to operate AC test equipment (the oscilloscope and function generator). The concepts and calculations of reactive values are emphasized, including phase shift. Students will study the response to AC of various circuit configurations and apply this knowledge to the analysis of resistor capacitor (RC), resistor inductor (RL), and resonant (RLC) circuits. Various practical applications of circuit configurations are explored, including integrators, differentiators and frequency filters. The operation of transformers is covered, including voltage/current ratios and impedance matching. Theory is reinforced with hands-on practice and exposure to troubleshooting techniques. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	6.0
	DCOM 1530	Analog Electronics This course provides the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to install, maintain, and troubleshoot circuits that employ discrete and integrated semiconductor devices. These include rectifier diodes, Zener diodes, 3-terminal regulator ICs, bipolar junction transistors, field effect transistors, operational amplifiers and switching regulator ICs. Applications of semiconductors as switches, amplifiers, oscillators and regulators are explored. Circuits are built from schematic diagrams and are tested and measured for their operating parameters. Students further develop soldering techniques, including insertion and soldering of components on a printed circuit board, resulting in a complete audio amplifier circuit as a small project. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	6.0
	DCOM 1540	Digital Electronics This course provides the foundation required for understanding digital electronic circuits. The binary, hexadecimal, and decimal number systems are explained, and techniques for converting from one system to another are introduced. The digital logic devices covered include logic gates (NOT, AND, NAND, OR, NOR, XOR and XNOR), timers and pulse generators, combinational and sequential logic, binary adders, comparators, encoders, decoders, 7-segment displays, multiplexers, demultiplexers, latches, flip-flops, binary counters and shift registers. Students will learn analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion techniques, as well as how to interface a digital output to a load (sinking and sourcing). In addition, students will use standard symbols, schematic diagrams, truth tables, waveform representations, timing diagrams and Boolean expressions to represent digital logic functions and circuits. Theory is reinforced with hands-on practice and exposure to troubleshooting techniques. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	6.0

Term 2 (20 weeks)			Credits
	DCOM 1550	Network Essentials The course will introduce basic networking concepts by exploring how networks function in today's world. Basic switch device and end device configuration will be introduced, including the protocols and models used to describe how data is packaged and transported on modern networks. Numbering systems used by communications protocols, including binary and hex, are introduced. Ethernet switching is examined in both theory and lab exercises. IPv4 and IPv6 are introduced and examined in detail using both network hardware and network simulation software. Security fundamentals are introduced in order to identify network vulnerabilities. The course will culminate in the building and configuration of a small network. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	6.0
	DCOM 1560	Structured Cabling This course introduces the installation and test practices associated with telecommunications cabling. The curriculum is aligned with the Telecommunications Industry Association/Electronics Industry Association (TIA/EIA) standards for commercial buildings. The course provides hands-on training for common cable termination systems. Students will use cable scanners to certify and analyze cable performance. This course also introduces Structured Cable System (SCS) infrastructure design and advanced cabling techniques. Prerequisite(s): 60% in DCOM 1500 course outline	8.0
	DCOM 2500	Telecommunications Essentials In this course, the major elements of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) are introduced. The components of the PSTN are examined, including outside plant, switching and trunks. The process of setting up a voice circuit across the network is detailed. The conversion of an analog voice signal to a digital equivalent using the Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) process is discussed. The North American Digital Hierarchy for digital communications networks is examined with a focus on the T-1 standard. The creation of a T-1 digital bit stream from multiple independent analog sources utilizing Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) is explored. The components of a digital information transport system are introduced. Local and remote testing and troubleshooting techniques are implemented and evaluated. Safe use of telecom industrial tools is introduced through lab exercises that expose the student to a variety of workplace scenarios. Prerequisite(s): 60% in DCOM 1540 course outline	6.0
	DCOM 2510	RF Principles 1 This course will introduce students 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 fundamentals such as the frequency spectrum, noise, RF transmission spectral characteristics, channel bandwidth, and modulation/demodulation technologies will be covered. Information transmission in analog forms is discussed. Frequency synthesizers and phase locked loop (PLL) circuits are also introduced. Prerequisite(s): 60% in DCOM 1520 and 60% in DCOM 1530 course outline	6.0
	DCOM 2520	Routing and Wireless Networks This course provides insight into the architecture, components, and operations of routers, switches and wireless devices in a small network. Students learn how to configure a router and a switch for basic functionality. By the end of this course, students will be able to configure and troubleshoot networks with technologies such as static routing, virtual LANs (VLANs), inter-VLAN routing, Dot1q trunking, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Stateless Address Auto Configuration (SLAAC), Spanning-Tree Protocol (STP), port security, standard access control lists, and device discovery protocols. Students work with both IPv4 and IPv6 addressing and subnetting. First hop redundancy and basic Wireless LAN (WLAN) configuration are also covered. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	6.0
	DCOM 2530	Linux Fundamentals This course prepares students to use the Command Line Interface (CLI) and programming tools to examine and alter files systems, and to download, manage, and update software without extensive use of a Graphical User Interface (GUI). Topics include navigation of file systems and searching for files or text using regular expressions (regex), the use of system resource monitoring commands, and starting and stopping software processes and system services from CLIs. Students will use both Windows and Linux Operating Systems and will gain experience in automating tasks by creating and/or running custom scripts in Ubuntu Linux terminals and multiple Windows interfaces such as PowerShell and Windows System for Linux (WSL). Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	4.0
	DCOM 2540	Voice Networks This course introduces the applications, concepts and implementation of VoIP (Voice over IP) networks. The operation of a VoIP will be compared and contrasted with that of traditional telephony networks. Students will configure a VoIP telephony system on a PC connected to a VoIP switch. Troubleshooting with a network protocol analyzer will be introduced. Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones will be introduced and used in the configured PBX. WAN networks and bandwidth considerations will be discussed with reference to the CODECs necessary for implementation Prerequisite(s): 60% in DCOM 1540 course outline	4.0

Term 3 (15 weeks)			Credits
	DCOM 2550	Professional Skills This course aims to prepare students for the job market by enabling them to learn and practice the skills needed to obtain and maintain employment in industry. Students will examine the importance of workplace appearance, communications, conduct, ethics, and safety. They will study the effective management of customer relations and conflicts with both customers and coworkers, and practice the fundamentals of teamwork while reflecting on the supervisory skills needed to be effective in the areas of motivation, leadership, and training. Students will also explore the basics of negotiating the terms of an offer of employment and learn how to start their own personal Career Plan. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	4.0
	DCOM 3500	Enterprise Networking and Security Building upon static routing, this course expands on dynamic routing and router configuration, explores networking protocols, and applies routing concepts within a lab environment. Topics include Cisco IOS management, routing protocols, network security concepts, Network Address Translation (NAT) and Access Control Lists (ACLs). Routing protocols covered include Open Shortest Path First (OSPF). IPv6 operations, routing, and address assignment are also explored. Students will learn how to configure routers, interpret routing tables, and troubleshoot connectivity issues. Wireless networks and WLAN controllers are explored through theory and network simulation. Students are provided hands-on experience with routers and switches in a networked lab environment. The course covers wide area network (WAN) technologies and Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms used for secure remote access. The course also introduces software-defined networking, virtualization, and automation concepts that support the digitalization of networks. Prerequisite(s): 60% in DCOM 2520 course outline	6.0
	DCOM 3510	RF Principles 2 This course introduces the student to the theoretical and operational analysis of Angle Modulation (FM & PM) schemes as applied to radio transmission and reception. Common FM transmitter and receiver configurations, technical specifications, and schematics are investigated. Students will receive hands-on experience with basic analog and digital FM modulation technology. Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM) in FM radio transmissions are examined and students are introduced to advanced digital modulation techniques. The basic theory of spread spectrum radio systems and DSP analog is introduced. Laboratory exercises include programming and performance testing of commercial Land Mobile Radios (LMR). Basic concepts of LMR dispatching are introduced. Prerequisite(s): 60% in DCOM 2510 course outline	8.0
	DCOM 3520	Transmission Lines and Antennas This course investigates Radio Frequency (RF) signal propagation in cables and through free space. Concepts related to transmission of the RF signal within cables and causes of transmission impairment are explored. Free space propagation of an RF signal as an Electromagnetic (E/M) field is examined. The properties of RF signals radiated by an antenna system will be explored. RF filtering systems are introduced, including cavity filters. 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. Prerequisite(s): 60% in DCOM 2510 course outline	6.0
	DCOM 3530	Navigation and Location In this course, students will explore microwave theory concepts and device applications. The applications of microwave communications within the navigation industry are examined. As the course focuses on the integration of basic land and marine navigation systems in use today, navigation principles , navigational terms, Global Positioning System (GPS) and associated technologies will be covered. Marine navigational information systems will be examined, including Automatic Identification System (AIS), Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS), and search and rescue (SARS) systems. Tracking and location systems such as Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) will be investigated. Prerequisite(s): 60% in DCOM 2510 course outline	6.0

Term 4 (20 weeks)			Credits
	DCOM 2560	Fiber Optics and Telecommunications Design In this course, students will learn to safely install, splice, test and maintain fiber optic (FO) links. They will discuss light transmission, optical glass characteristics, and Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) in optical systems, and use industry-standard practices to handle FO cables and connectors. In addition, students will have the opportunity to splice and terminate fiber spans using both mechanical and fusion splicing techniques. As part of their hands-on learning, students will interpret and produce fiber optic design documents for premises portions of the network using AutoCAD and/or other software tools. Furthermore, they will practice industry-standard assembly and testing techniques for fiber optic connectors and splice enclosures and perform fiber optic span power budget analysis. In a lab setting, students will operate Single-Mode (SM) fiber cleavers and fusion splicers, Optical Time Domain Reflectometers (OTDR), and other inspection and test equipment. Prerequisite(s): 60% in DCOM 1560 course outline	8.0
	DCOM 3540	VoIP Systems This course focuses on the advanced features of a VoIP PBX. Initial setup and licensing will be discussed and performed. An enterprise-level VoIP PBX will be discussed and implemented. Topics include DHCP, VLANs, WAN networks, as well as user services and features. SIP and T1 trunking, and Automatic Route selection are discussed in-depth and implemented in the lab. Voice Mail and auto-attendant features are designed and configured. Emergency Services Management will be thoroughly examined both in theory and in the lab. The concepts of system clustering and resiliency will be discussed, demonstrated and configured in the lab. Prerequisite(s): 60% in DCOM 2540 course outline	6.0
	DCOM 4500	Wide Area Network Design and Maintenance In this course, students will learn how to install, document, operate, and maintain an advanced wide area network (WAN) with fiber optic links. Students will discuss design considerations and the practical operation of fiber optic and other communications links. In a lab setting, students will program and test fiber optic spans, implement and test Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM) links, and plan and execute network troubleshooting. Furthermore, they will design, program and observe the operation of automated failover routes to restore services following simulated network disasters. The course will focus on the proper procedures for handling network equipment cards and foster teamwork and communication skills for students to create and manage the orderly build and turn up of networks. Students will also identify selected Outside Plant (OSP), cable television (CATV), and electrical distribution system components in the aerial and underground and create a service-entrance design in CAD. Prerequisite(s): 60% in DCOM 2560 course outline	4.0
	DCOM 4510	Managing Connected Devices Sensing devices, sometimes with their own processing ability, communicate with other devices and systems over the Internet or other communications networks and are described as the Internet of Things (IoT). This course examines the role of a telecommunication systems technician in managing IoT devices. The practical installation, operation and troubleshooting of IoT digital devices, their wireless and wired/fiber-optic connections to networks and their role in telecommunications/digital infrastructure are discussed. Current and prospective IoT technologies will be discussed, and service providers will be surveyed. IoT networks will be designed and created in a lab environment where installation, programming and maintenance procedures will be practiced. Programming and testing of IoT devices will be covered via theoretical and practical exercises. Team building and communication skills between the teams and other stakeholders will be emphasized to ensure the orderly installation, turn-up, and maintenance of IoT devices and networks. Prerequisite(s): 60% in DCOM 1540 and 60% in DCOM 3500 course outline	6.0
	DCOM 4520	RF Applications This course focuses on the configuration and testing of real-world radio systems. Students will configure, modify, test and document digital radio systems using both conventional and trunked mode operation. Cellular system concepts are introduced, over several generations. Radio over IP (RoIP) technology, using TCP/IP networks, is investigated. Students will build and test advanced antenna systems and study radio site DC Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) power systems. Students will learn how to correctly use technical manuals and radio system documentation. Advanced troubleshooting methodologies are explored in the lab using logical fault-finding. Additional installation training will be provided in industry-specific hand skills related to rack mounting radio and network system equipment. General safety practices specifically related to the RF industry will also be reviewed. Prerequisite(s): 60% in DCOM 3530 and 60% in DCOM 3520 course outline	10.0
	DCOM 4530	Practicum This course is a work-sharing experience within the digital communications and wireless industries. Students will be placed with a host company to job shadow professional technicians. Students will work in a field environment and have opportunities to apply their knowledge of test equipment and troubleshooting techniques. Activities will be tracked with a daily log book. Students will select a topic based upon the host company's technologies to research and produce a report for evaluation by faculty. This report will also form the basis of a class presentation on their work experience. Prerequisite(s): 60% in DCOM 3500 and 60% in DCOM 3520 and 60% in DCOM 3530 Student must be on track for graduation. course outline	4.0

Total Credits:			138.0

Transfer credit

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

Students in the Digital Communications and Wireless Technology program learn the theory, standards, measurement instruments, test equipment and standard practices of the telecommunications industry. As a student in the program, you will learn to:

Install, program, configure, maintain and repair telephone switches and systems
Install, administer, maintain and diagnose faults in data transmission systems
Install, test and repair fiber optic and high-speed local area network (LAN) cables
Install, configure, test and document data communication systems and navigation systems
Maintain, evaluate the performance of, and troubleshoot radio frequency (RF) communication systems
Understand digital cellular communication systems
Use, calibrate and maintain industry standard tools and test equipment
Bench test, isolate faults and repair RF equipment
Communicate effectively with customers and co-workers

Program length

Two years, full-time

Program delivery

In person: This program is delivered on campus.

Program location

Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC

Graduating & Jobs

Explore the exceptional career opportunities in Telecommunications!

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, configure, 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 immediately start contributing. Both graduates and employers say that BCIT was incredibly instrumental in preparing grads for work.

A broad range of employment possibilities

The job market for telecommunications 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 and there are many opportunities to move into technical sales or managerial roles if you are interested.

Some of the many employers of BCIT Digital Communications and Wireless Technologies graduates include:

Faculty, Advisors & Staff

Our instructors are committed to keeping their skills current, and regularly attend advanced training courses.

instructor showing a student an electrical panel

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

Dave Hogg, DiplT, PID, MA, AScT
Department Head
Tel: 604-432-8223
Email: dave_hogg@bcit.ca

Rick Davidson
Tel: 604-431-4949
Email: rdavidson2@bcit.ca

Mike Lowe
Tel: 604-412-7464
Email: mlowe16@bcit.ca

Blair Thompson-Jendrysek, DipT, PID
Tel: 604-456-8157
Email: blair_thompson@bcit.ca

Gareth Williams
Tel: 604-432-8458
Email: gareth_williams@bcit.ca

Len Worley, DipT, PID, MEd
Tel: 604-412-7528
Email: leonard_worley@bcit.ca

Staff

Paul Morrison, BEng, AScT
Interim Associate Dean
Tel: 604-451-7075
Email: paul_morrison@bcit.ca

Mary-Anne Pangan
Administrative Assistant
Tel: 604-456-8052
Email: maryanne_pangan@bcit.ca

Advisory committee

Jeff Brown
Head of Canadian Operations, Zayo

Darren Hamaoki
Customer Service Technician, Mackay Communications Inc

C/M Jason A. Jaschinsky
A/Director Information Technology, RCMP “E” Division

Jason Krause
General Manager, OSP, OBS, Greenfield Build, Wireless, Ledcor Technical Services

Jeff Lewis
President & General Manager, 4th Utility Inc.

Colin Leyh
Field Services Supervisor, Shaw Communications

Quincy Mittertreiner
Retired, Formerly NEC Canada, Inc

Doug Peterson
Manager, MDT Technical Services, Inc.

Ralph Ryan
Service Manager, BC Communications Inc.

Craig Sexton
Manager, TELUS Wireless Implementation and Operations

Benjamin Staggs
Marine Services Manager BC, Mackay Marine Canada

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.

If you want to discuss the program in more detail, contact the Department Head at 604.453.4089.

Questions or comments?

Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.

Digital Communications and Wireless Technologies

Overview

The program

Why BCIT?

Entrance Requirements

Spend-A-Day with us

Application processing

Entrance requirements

International applicants

Apply to program

Apply Now

Scheduled Intakes

myCommunication

Advanced Placement

Conditions

Direct entry

Costs & Supplies

Find out how much you will need to complete your Digital Communications and Wireless Technologies Diploma!

Tuition fees

Books & supplies

Financial assistance

Courses

Explore the courses and classes you will be taking!

Class hours

Program matrix

Transfer credit

Program Details

Program length

Program delivery

Program location

Graduating & Jobs

What’s in it for you?

A rewarding job as a Technician

An edge in the job market

A broad range of employment possibilities

Faculty, Advisors & Staff

Faculty

Staff

Advisory committee

Contact Us

Spend-A-Day with us

Questions or comments?

Subscribe