How to Become an FTA Installer
In television broadcasting language, FTA means "Free to Air." This term refers to television channels which are completely free to watch, requiring neither a subscription or one-time fee to see. A type of technology needed to receive these channels is still required, and in the United States, this is a satellite system. Becoming an FTA satellite installer requires receiving certification and choosing the right company with which you wish to partner.
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Instructions
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Research the possible career paths that an FTA satellite installer may take. You may choose to be an independent installer operating as a small business owner or freelance technician. Consider also becoming an installation technician for an already existing satellite television provider such as DirecTV or Dish Network. The path you take will ultimately determine the amount and type of education you must receive.
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Complete a high school level of education, at minimum. While technician jobs do not necessarily require a college degree, a high school diploma or GED will prove you have a base level of competency to perform the job.
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Apply for a job immediately upon receiving your high school diploma if you are relying upon a satellite TV provider to give you the necessary job training. You will enter the company at a low level, working under the supervision of a more experienced technician from whom you will gain knowledge of the installation process.
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Receive further training in the classroom if you wish to enter a company at a higher level or start your own business. Apply for electronics and electrical engineering or wiring courses at your local vocational school or community college. Consider also applying online with the National Coalition for Telecommunications Education and Learning, which is an online based education system offering degrees and certificates in telecommunications fields.
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Conduct yourself according to behavior that will allow you to pass a background check and drug screen upon application to a technician position, such as not using illegal drugs and remaining free of arrests on your criminal record. Satellite installers must have contact with customers in face-to-face meetings, and satellite installation will require you to access the inside of these customers' homes. To guarantee the safety of their customers, telecommunications companies may require these screenings of their applicants.
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- Photo Credit Satellite TV image by Bryan Crowe from Fotolia.com
