Becoming a TV aerial installer

It’s never been as popular for tradespeople to add extra qualifications to their existing skillset. Doing so is helping those in the trade to take on additional jobs and make more money. Increasingly, tradespeople are finding value in discovering more about tv aerial installer skills. In this blog, we explain more about becoming an aerial technician and why learning the skills could help you make more money.

What is a TV aerial installer?

You might not think it, but aerial technicians play a significant role in our lives. In fact, without them, many of us wouldn’t be able to catch up on our favourite shows. In short, those in the sector are responsible for installing and repairing satellite dishes, aerials and network cables. If you’ve ever had cable television, then you will have used an aerial technician to complete the installation. As well as fitting new units, aerial technicians are tasked with fixing satellite dishes should they become damaged due to bad weather.

What does a TV aerial installer do?

As mentioned, aerial technicians are responsible for making sure satellite dishes, aerials and network cables are properly installed and repaired. As a result, a lot of the work happens up a ladder where aerials and dishes need to be fixed into place. However, aerial technicians are also in charge of finding the best spot to install a satellite dish, as well as choosing where to add new signal reception points in buildings.

How do I become an aerial technician?

There are a number of ways to become an aerial technician, ranging from apprenticeships to training courses. Apprenticeships are great if you’re at the start of your career. Most apprenticeships will require some form of educational qualifications, such as GCSEs, but there’s usually a scheme suitable for everyone. If you’re looking to start an aerial technician apprenticeship, then the government’s website is a great place to start. GOV.UK features a convenient apprenticeship finder feature, which lets you search for a scheme that’s perfect for you.

If you don’t fancy undertaking an apprenticeship, then you can look at applying directly to installation companies. However, if you have no experience in the field or similar skill, then it’s unlikely you’ll be offered work. It’s essential to have a qualification to back up your expertise, so if an apprenticeship doesn’t interest you, look to do something like a Level 2 Certificate/ Diploma in Electrical or Electronic Engineering. Similarly, the Confederation of Aerial Industries (CAI) offers several courses that can teach you all the necessary basics.

Is it worth becoming a tv aerial installer?

Being able to take on aerial technician jobs can be a significant benefit, especially if you find yourself experiencing quiet periods. Aerial work remains consistent all year round and usually isn’t affected by seasons. The only downside is that it can be challenging to fit aerial technician work around an existing schedule of other jobs. As of 2019, a lot of aerial technician work comes through significant TV providers. Taking on these jobs often requires you to work for a provider like Sky or Virgin and could limit your ability to take on other non-aerial jobs. Still, there are jobs available, especially on Freeview installations, which are having a resurgence in popularity as cable prices increase.

Should I instead learn to wall-mount televisions?

Tradespeople looking to add an extra skill to their bow, but unable to commit to the requirements of becoming an aerial technician should seek to become more skilled in wall mounting televisions. This technique has become very popular in recent years and is helping some in the trade to take on more jobs. Learning how to mount a television is straightforward but can be a real money earner. We spoke to Ben Tucker, the owner of T&T Digital whose company now complete several wall-mounting jobs each week.

Ben told us:

“It’s a fantastic line of work, which seems to grow year-on-year. I started as an aerial technician, fitting and fixing satellites. During that period, we would often get asked by homeowners to wall-mount televisions. Before long, we started to offer it as a service, and it’s now one of the most popular jobs we do. I’ve even moved into commercial wall-mounting jobs and have the exclusive contract to wall-mount units in Richer Sounds stores around the country.”

You can watch Ben explain how he has made a successful business with a focus on wall-mounting work.
Because it’s such a recent phenomenon, TV wall mounting is in something of a grey area with homeowners unsure over the best tradesperson to call for the task. Instead, many homeowners will go online to look for assistance. Wall mounting a television isn’t difficult, and most tradespeople will be able to handle the job. If you have some experience and could do with more work than adding it to your Checkatrade profile is a great option.