Breaking into the tech industry as a graduate can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to choose a path that offers hands-on experience and clear progression. Telecoms jobs are often overlooked among graduate jobs, but it’s one of the most reliable sectors with strong demand for junior talent.

From day one, graduate jobs in telecoms provide exposure to critical infrastructure. Whether it’s broadband networks, voice systems, or mobile infrastructure, telecoms jobs UK give you early exposure to real technical work. And because the industry supports continuous learning, it’s ideal for those looking to earn certifications and progress quickly.

In this blog, we’ll show you exactly where graduates get hired in telecoms, what entry level network engineer roles involve, and what will make your CV stand out. You’ll also learn what to expect in terms of salary and progression, and how Hamilton Barnes can help you land your first job in the sector.

Where To Find Graduate Telecoms Jobs

If you’re thinking of starting your career with a role in telecoms, you need to know where to find telecoms jobs UK and the employers of note. Those opportunities typically sit within one of four types of employers. They are:

• ISPs (Internet Service Providers): These companies provide broadband and internet services to homes and businesses. Teams are often split into provisioning, support, and field engineering.
• Carriers: These are larger infrastructure players responsible for national fibre and mobile backbones. They tend to offer more specialised roles in network operations, planning, and monitoring.
• MSPs (Managed Service Providers): These firms manage telecom networks on behalf of other businesses. They're great for grads wanting variety and you can expect to support multiple environments and work across voice, data, and security.
• Vendors: These companies build and sell telecom equipment or software. Roles may lean towards support or technical sales engineering.

When comparing graduate jobs, look for employers that support learning, provide certification opportunities, and give early access to real network tasks.

Entry-Level Telecoms Jobs UK & Their Responsibilities

Telecoms careers offer a wide range of entry-level network engineer opportunities, but most graduate hires tend to start in hands-on operational roles. These early positions give you visibility into how telecom networks run and let you contribute from the outset. They’re also where you begin developing the technical and communication skills that become useful as you move into more advanced roles.

• Telecoms Support Engineer: As an entry level network engineer, you’ll work with internal teams or customers to resolve faults, answer tickets, and document issues where you can expect to use monitoring tools and escalate more complex cases. This is a great role for learning how networks behave in the real world.
• NOC (Network Operations Centre) Technician: This is an ideal path for those aiming to become a junior network engineer in the near term and is a step up from general support as NOC roles focus on uptime and network health. You’ll monitor dashboards, respond to alerts, and follow defined runbooks for faults. Night and weekend shifts are common, but the technical exposure is excellent.
• Junior Field Engineer: Field roles involve visiting sites to install or troubleshoot physical connections. You’ll typically need a driving licence and some comfort with hands-on work. It’s ideal for those who prefer being out in the field over sitting at a desk.
• Provisioning Coordinator: These roles bridge customers and engineering. You’ll help update internal systems and ensure orders progress on time. While not technical at first, they’re a route into operations or delivery roles.

Telecoms Skills That Make a Difference

The UK Government’s sector skills assessment shows that telecoms engineers have among the highest rates of skills shortage vacancies. That creates huge opportunities for telecoms engineers that understand the skills most in-demand. These fundamental skills are the building blocks of successful telecoms careers:

• IP addressing and subnetting: Know how IPs are structured and how subnet masks work. Interviewers often ask you to break down a /29 or explain what 192.168.0.1/24 means.
• Routing and switching basics: Understand what a router and switch do, the difference between static and dynamic routing, and how VLANs separate traffic.
• MPLS fundamentals: You don’t need expert knowledge but knowing that MPLS helps route data based on labels (not just IPs) will put you ahead.
• Fibre and wireless awareness: Be able to explain the difference between single-mode and multi-mode fibre. Know what affects wireless performance.
• Voice basics: Know what VoIP is and the role of SIP in telecoms. If you’ve used softphones or configured PBX software, that’s a plus.

Telecoms Certifications That Help You Stand Out

Understanding the skills in demand is one thing, but certifications can give you a real edge when applying for graduate telecoms jobs UK. They show you’re serious about the industry and can help back up those technical skills even before you’ve gained commercial experience.

• CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate): CCNA is widely recognised as the first step for a junior network engineer. It covers core areas like IP routing and switching, VLANs, subnetting, wireless, and basic security. Even starting the CCNA journey signals your intent and potential.
• CompTIA Network+: A well-respected entry-level cert for understanding network fundamentals. It’s not vendor-specific, which makes it especially useful for MSP or provisioning roles.
• JNCIA (Juniper Networks): Less common but valuable if you're applying to a company that uses Juniper hardware. It mirrors much of the CCNA but through the Juniper lens.
• MikroTik or Ubiquiti certifications: If you’re applying to a smaller ISP or niche provider, these can help show relevant product knowledge. They’re quicker to complete and very practical.

Certifications aren’t mandatory for graduate telecoms jobs, but they do make your application stand out. Even if you’re mid-way through studying, mention it in your CV and interviews as employers will see the initiative and know you’re ready to learn.

Projects You Need on Your CV

If you don’t have commercial experience yet, personal projects are the next best thing. Unlike many graduate jobs, telecoms roles reward those who show applied technical interest. A July 2025 report notes that UK tech employers are placing less emphasis on university prestige and more on applied practical skills when hiring graduates. That means the kinds of hands-on projects you build can matter more than the name of your degree. Projects can include:

1. VLAN and Routing Lab

• Use Packet Tracer, GNS3, or EVE-NG to build a basic multi-VLAN setup
• Configure inter-VLAN routing and test end-to-end connectivity
• Document your topology, configuration commands, and any issues resolved

2. VoIP Setup with FreePBX

• Set up a small voice network using FreePBX and softphones (e.g., Zoiper)
• Create multiple extensions and test internal calls, voicemail, and call routing
• Include screenshots or record a short walkthrough. Share via GitHub or a blog

3. Wi-Fi Planning or Link Budget Calculation

• Use free tools like Ekahau HeatMapper or online calculators
• Plan coverage for a small office/home, considering interference and throughput
• Explain your assumptions, challenges, and how you'd improve the setup

Whatever your project, keep it simple. Write what you built, what went wrong, and how you fixed it, and then link to it if you can. That’s all hiring managers want to see

Salaries & Career Progression of Telecoms Jobs UK

One of the big advantages of starting your career in telecoms is the clarity of progression both in terms of skills and salary. Here’s what you can typically expect as a graduate in the UK:

Graduate starting salaries:

• Most entry level network engineer roles pay between £22,000 and £28,000, depending on the employer and location.
• NOC and support roles often start at around £24,000, while field engineers or those with some hands-on experience can earn slightly more.

First 12–18 months:

• If you’re progressing well and have some certification progress (e.g. CCNA), you could see a bump of £3k–£5k.
• Moving from 1st line support to 2nd line or specialist roles is the typical next step.

Progression paths:

• Support - NOC - Network Engineer
• Provisioning - Project Coordinator - Service Delivery
• Field Engineer - Lead Installer - Network Planner

Telecoms is an industry where consistency pays off. Grads who learn fast, ask smart questions, and follow through tend to rise quickly.

Interview Tips for Graduate Jobs

Once you’ve landed an interview for a graduate telecoms job, preparation is key. Most entry level network engineer or junior network engineer interviews will test both your technical understanding and problem-solving approach. Here’s how to prepare:

Common Graduate Interview Questions:

• Can you explain what a subnet mask is and why it’s used?
• What’s the difference between a switch and a router?
• Describe a time you troubleshooted a network issue and what was the outcome?
• What do you know about VoIP and how it’s used in telecoms?

Troubleshooting Walk-Through Tips:

Many interviews will include a walk-through of a simple fault scenario. Here’s what interviewers are looking for:

• Structured thinking: Explain the steps you would take to isolate the issue.
• Clear communication: Use plain language to walk through technical ideas.
• Tool familiarity: Mention common tools like Wireshark, Ping, Traceroute, or configuration logs.
• Follow-up logic: Explain how you would escalate or document the issue.

Next Steps: Apply, Upskill & Follow Up

Once you know you want to start your career in telecoms, momentum is everything. Here’s how to keep things moving:

1. Start applying early

• Target roles at ISPs, MSPs, and telecom vendors with graduate intake or junior openings.
• Tailor your CV to each job by highlighting relevant projects certifications (even if they’re still in progress).

2. Track progress and set goals

• Keep a simple spreadsheet to track roles applied to, dates, outcomes, and feedback.
• Commit to bite-sized learning progress. Steady, visible effort pays off over time and importantly, gives you more to talk about in interviews.

4. Follow up with intent

• If you haven’t heard back after 7–10 days, send a polite follow-up email and use it to reiterate your interest and summarise why you’re a strong fit.

Consistency, not perfection, is what sets you apart at this stage. Employers are looking for people with the right attitude, not those who already know it all.

Explore Graduate Telecom Jobs with Hamilton Barnes

If you’re ready to take the first step in your telecoms career, Hamilton Barnes is here to help. We’re the UK’s leading recruiter for early-career telecoms roles and we specialise in connecting graduates with the right opportunities.

Whether you’re aiming for your first support role, a junior network engineer position, or a NOC role with long-term progression, our consultants can guide you through the process.

Explore:

• Telecoms Jobs UK
• Advice for getting hired

Or get in touch with a consultant to talk through your options. We’ll help you:

• Navigate your first applications
• Polish your CV and interview prep
• Find a role that fits your goals

We help you build a launchpad for your telecoms careers, supporting you with that important first career step. Get in touch.