Information Network Cabling

WorldSkills Occupational Standards (WSOS)

Occupation description and WSOS

The name of the skill competition is

Description of the associated work role(s) or occupation(s)

The occupations related to “Information Network Cabling” are deeply related to the technology that supports modern information societies in which lives can be more comfortable and sustainable.

All technologies that are utilizing AI, Big data, and Cloud services, and that are deeply penetrating our lives, are based on high-quality information networks. The infrastructure to enable this depends on “Information Network Cabling”.

Information network cabling comprises the construction of the infrastructure of telecommunication networks such as those for data centres, mobile networks, Local Area Networks (LANs), Cable TV (CATV), industrial automation, and building automation. With the progress of the information society in recent years, the scope of work has expanded greatly, and expertise in the Internet of Things (IoT), and in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) connectivity is also becoming ever more important.

The role of the information network cabling technician is complex, and requires detailed specialized knowledge in order, independently to design and install networks that meet clients’ needs and conform to recognized industry standards. The technician will create the foundations for the network, install cables appropriate for the intended use, maintain, test, and commission the network.

Communications networks are crucial to the efficiency of business and commerce. Network failure can result in wasted time and lost revenue. Robust and reliable communications networks are therefore critical to business success.

The technician/installer may work for either a telecommunication or an electrical installation company. They will install network cabling for businesses both large and small, or for domestic users, for services such as cable TV, telephone, and broadband installations.

The WorldSkills Occupational Standards (WSOS)

General notes on the WSOS

The WSOS specifies the knowledge, understanding, skills, and capabilities that underpin international best practice in technical and vocational performance. These are both specific to an occupational role and also transversal. Together they should reflect a shared global understanding of what the associated work role(s) or occupation(s) represent for industry and business (www.worldskills.org/WSOS).

The skill competition is intended to reflect international best practice as described by the WSOS, to the extent that it can. The Standard is therefore a guide to the required training and preparation for the skill competition.

In the skill competition the assessment of knowledge and understanding will take place through the assessment of performance. There will only be separate tests of knowledge and understanding where there is an overwhelming reason for these.

The Standard is divided into distinct sections with headings and reference numbers added.

Each section is assigned a percentage of the total marks to indicate its relative importance within the Standards. This is often referred to as the “weighting”. The sum of all the percentage marks is 100. The weightings determine the distribution of marks within the Marking Scheme.

Through the Test Project, the Marking Scheme will assess only those skills and capabilities that are set out in the WorldSkills Occupational Standards. They will reflect the Standards as comprehensively as possible within the constraints of the skill competition.

The Marking Scheme will follow the allocation of marks within the Standards to the extent practically possible. A variation of up to five percent is allowed, if this does not distort the weightings assigned by the Standards.

WorldSkills Occupational Standards

Section		Relative importance (%)
1	Work organization and management	5
	The individual needs to know and understand: Health and safety legislation, obligations, regulations, and documentation Basic first aid The situations when personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used The correct procedures for working with laser technologies The purposes, uses, care, maintenance, safe handling, and storage of equipment in an ESD friendly environment The importance of integrity and security when dealing with user equipment and information The importance of safe disposal of waste for re-cycling The significance of accuracy, checking, and attention to detail in all working practices The importance of methodical working practices Research methods and techniques The value of managing one’s own continuing professional development The negative impacts on businesses and organizations of poor or unreliable network installations Codes and standards
	The individual shall be able to: Comply with health and safety standards, rules, and regulations Adhere to relevant codes and/or standards Maintain a safe working environment including the use of ladders for access to high work Use personal protective equipment correctly Identify and use the appropriate personal protective equipment for ESD Select, use, clean, maintain, and store tools and equipment safely and securely Plan work areas to maximize efficiency and maintain the discipline of regular tidying Regularly schedule and re-schedule and multi-task according to changing priorities Work efficiently and check progress and outcomes regularly Actively work to fulfil industry certification requirements and keep up to date with ‘license to practice’ requirements (determined by their own country) and to complete regular Continued Professional Development (CPD) Use thorough and efficient research methods to support knowledge growth Proactively try new methods, and systems, and embrace change
2	Communication and interpersonal skills	5
	The individual needs to know and understand: The importance of listening as part of effective communication The roles and requirements of colleagues and the most effective methods of communication The importance of building and maintaining productive working relationships with colleagues and managers Techniques for effective teamwork Techniques for resolving misunderstandings and conflicting demands The process for managing tension and anger to resolve difficult situations
	The individual shall be able to: Use strong listening and questioning skills to deepen understanding of complex situations Manage consistently effective verbal and written communications with colleagues Proactively contribute to the development of a strong and effective team Share knowledge and expertise with colleagues and develop supportive learning cultures Manage tensions and disputes, providing confidence that problems can be resolved Discuss customers’ requirements and provide Expert advice and consultancy Liaise with other professionals and suppliers to create a fully tailored package that fulfils customers’ needs Respect the impact that cabling activity can have on a busy working environment, showing consideration and care, and causing least disruption in all circumstances Prepare construction plans and quotations for planned work and present to customers Explain the sustainability of the cabling system
3	Planning, implementation, management	5
	The individual needs to know and understand: Terminology and symbols used in specifications, and drawings that are recognized by the industry Principles of technical drawings and specifications that are recognized by the industry Installation requirement and specifications Quality planning Installation planning Properties and types of cables Safety requirements and recommendations Information network technology and their applications Mathematics and physics The laws of electricity and telecommunications
	The individual shall be able to: Develop and comply with Installation plans, as follows. Perform site surveys Plan and specify installations, according to principles and criteria for best practice Work independently by planning, ordering and prioritizing work to maximize efficiency and to adhere to planned time schedules Prepare, design, interpret, and analyse specialists’ technical drawings and specifications Select the tools and systems that are most appropriate for the planned tasks Select the appropriate cabling media based on usage requirements Interpret and apply manufacturers’ instructions carry out inventory control Develop and comply with installation management plans, as follows. Develop labelling schemes Interpret and analyse complex plans and specifications Develop and comply with quality control plans. Ensure required quality specifications Solve a range of problems, including complex ones Assess work sites to effectively identify risks and thereby prevent or minimize hazards Assess buildings and plan the location of cables to minimize damages, unsightliness, and risks Develop and comply with site safety plans Develop sustainability plans: Consider the sustainability of each system’s life cycle Maximize sustainability in processes Complete all necessary documentation
4	Cabling and installation	10
	The individual needs to know and understand: The different types of cable, their characteristics, uses, and how they affect other aspects of the network Cabling and installation methods of copper and fibre cabling Installation requirements and specifications
	The individual shall be able to: Identify the cabling and installation required for generic cabling systems for customer premises, such as offices and Industries, single tenants’ homes, data centres, and distributed building services, building automation systems, lighting systems, access control systems, security, fire alarm systems, and process control (IIoT) Establish pathway systems (cable tray, cable support system, conduit, fibre channel, etc.) Establish space (TR, ER, TE, etc.) Pull cables within pathway systems Install rack cabinets, patch panels, and network equipment Select the appropriate procedures for cabling Prioritize work and comply with plans to minimize disruption and to meet agreed time scales Perform labelling Remove abandoned cables Clean sites after completing installations Maximize sustainability during work processes Develop and maintain on-site environments (respect clients’ buildings, keeping them tidy and clean.) Maintain equipment and complete associated administration
5	Installation of optical fibre cabling system	20
	The individual needs to know and understand: Optical fibre cables and connecting hardware Properties and types of optical fibre cables The uses of various connectors for optical fibre cables Processes for installing optical fibre cables The cabling appropriate for commercial and domestic use Overview of optical fibre cabling system and related applications (FTTH, PON, Access network, outside plant cabling system, etc.) Optical fibre structured cabling system
	The individual shall be able to: Install components related to copper cabling system: Optical closure Optical panel Splice box TO Cables (a fibre, ribbon fibre, etc.) Connect and splice optical fibre cables by or with Fusion splicing Mechanical splicing Optical connectors Installable optical connectors Manage and maintain optical fibre cables system Select, prepare, maintenance and manage equipment related installation of optical fibre cable Install optical fibre cabling system and related applications (FTTH, PON, Access network, etc.
6	Installation of copper cabling system	15
	The individual needs to know and understand: Copper cables and connecting hardware Properties and types of copper cables Processes for installing copper cables The cabling appropriate for commercial and domestic use Copper structured cabling systems
	The individual shall be able to: Install components related to copper cabling systems, involving: 19 inches racks Panels TOs Network equipment Cables (unshielded twisted pair cable (U/UTP), shielded twisted pair cable (S/FTP, F/UTP), coaxial cable) Perform IDC Perform terminations (multi-pairs, four-pairs, single-pair) Manage and maintain copper cabling systems Select, prepare, maintenance and manage equipment related installation of copper cable
7	Wireless connectivity for IoT and IIOT applications	15
	The individual needs to know and understand: Wi-Fi configurations Smart home/office/factory applications and equipment configurations Security system applications and equipment configurations IoT and IIOT applications and equipment configurations
	The individual shall be able to: Install and configure wireless systems Install and complete basic configurations to provide smart home/home/factory connectivity Survey wireless network at the field Install and configure smart applications and equipment Install and configure security system and applications and equipment Install and configure IoT/IIoT applications and equipment
8	Troubleshooting and ongoing maintenance	10
	The individual needs to know and understand: Where potential system faults may occur Potential disruption to business activity resulting from system faults The requirements for documentation The requirements of administration systems
	The individual shall be able to: Identify, locate, and diagnose system faults Rectify faults and repair cabling systems Replace and reinstall optical fibre cabling, and copper cabling Carry out Wi-Fi network fault-finding. Complete troubleshooting and fault-finding log sheets thoroughly and clearly Install updates to ensure systems meet emerging business needs Label systems for users’ information and guidance Complete all records and documentation Provide customers with advice and guidance on use of the systems, their features, and limitations
9	Measurement	15
	The individual needs to know and understand: The principles and purposes of measuring devices The practical uses of measuring devices The purposes of measurement Required and discretionary levels of inspection Test result documentation Inspection documentation
	The individual shall be able to: Select appropriate test equipment for the work in hand Inspect cabling systems Certify optical fibre cables by optical loss test set (OTLS)/Optical time domain reflect metre (OTDR) Certify copper cables by cable/LAN tester Certify/Verify the quality of fibre optical connector end-faces Optimize the performance of 802.11 wireless networks
	Total	100

References for industry consultation

General notes

WorldSkills is committed to ensuring that the WorldSkills Occupational Standards fully reflect the dynamism of internationally recognized best practice in industry and business. To do this WorldSkills approaches a number of organizations across the world that can offer feedback on the draft Description of the Associated Role and WorldSkills Occupational Standards on a two-yearly cycle.

In parallel to this, WSI consults three international occupational classifications and databases:

ISCO-08: (http://www.ilo.org/public/english/bureau/stat/isco/isco08/)
ESCO: (https://ec.europa.eu/esco/portal/home )
O*NET OnLine (www.onetonline.org/)

References

This WSOS most closely relates to Telecommunication Line Installers and Repairers:
https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-9052.00

and to Telecommunications Technician:
http://data.europa.eu/esco/occupation/056bef79-c125-47ab-b6b9-8eed05c9458c

This link also enables adjacent occupations to be explored.

ILO 7422

The following table indicates which organizations were approached and provided valuable feedback for the Description of the Associated Role and WorldSkills Occupational Standards in place for WorldSkills Lyon 2024.

Organization	Contact name
China Telecom Shanghai Branch	Jun Xu, Customer Service supporting Senior Expert (FTTH)
Companhia de Telecomunicações de Macau	Ao Ka Man, Rui, Engineer
FUJIKURA (CHINA) CO., LTD	XIAOJIE LI, Director assistant of Fusion Splicer Division
Xi 'an Kaiyuan Electronic Industry Co. LTD	Wang Gongru, Chairman of the Board