ICT Network Infrastructure

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 ICT Network Infrastructure play a fundamental role in supporting modern society and shaping the future. Cutting-edge technologies such as AI, Big Data, and Cloud Services - all of which make our lives more convenient and sustainable - are entirely dependent on reliable, high-quality information networks. The responsibility for building these foundations lies with this profession.

Information network cabling involves constructing the infrastructure of data centers, mobile networks, Local Area Networks (LANs), Cable TV (CATV), industrial automation systems, and smart buildings. Among these, data centers are often called the “heart of the digital society,” as they power cloud services, video streaming, online gaming, e-commerce, financial transactions, and even essential government services. If a data center fails, entire societies can be disrupted, making the technicians who design and install these networks vital guardians of stability and progress.

With the rapid expansion of IoT and IIoT, demand is growing for ever more sophisticated and flexible network solutions. An ICT Network Infrastructure technician is not merely a cable installer, but an “architect of the digital infrastructure” who understands client needs, designs and builds networks in compliance with international standards, and ensures their reliability through maintenance and testing. Their work directly underpins business success, economic activity, and the daily lives of millions of people.

For young people, this profession offers the chance to work in an invisible yet powerful field that literally keeps the world running. Every smartphone connection, social media post, video stream, online class, or telemedicine consultation relies on the networks they create. The sense of achievement in knowing one’s work enables modern life - and the opportunity to apply these skills globally - makes this career both meaningful and exciting.

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 Check and use personal protective equipment correctly at all times 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 Verify any additional site-specific safety requirements before performing any work. Always practice a zero-tolerance ethos when it comes to the safety of yourself and others. Always use visible barriers when securing the work area. Deploy stop work authority procedures immediately if you detect a potential harmful situation to yourself or others. 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 Arrive on time for all scheduled events Adhere to site dress code and safety requirements
3	Planning and design	15
	The individual needs to know and understand: Terminology and symbols used in specifications and drawings recognized by the industry Principles and conventions of technical drawings and documentation Installation requirements, specifications, and relevant standards Quality assurance and quality planning principles Installation planning methodologies Properties, types, and performance characteristics of copper and optical fibre cables Emerging cabling technologies, including high-density, bend-insensitive, and MPO/MTP systems Environmental and safety requirements related to cabling design National and international regulations related to electrical and telecom installations Information network technologies and their applications across industries Functional and physical requirements of modern ICT devices (e.g. IoT, wireless APs, sensors) Fundamentals of AI-based monitoring systems and cloud-managed infrastructures Life cycle and sustainability aspects of cabling systems Mathematics, physics, and basic principles of electricity and data transmission
	The individual shall be able to: Develop and follow installation plans Conduct site surveys and gather environmental data Plan and specify installations in accordance with best practice criteria and project requirements Work independently by organizing and prioritizing tasks Prepare, design, interpret, and analyze technical drawings and specifications Select appropriate tools, test equipment, and materials for the job Choose suitable cabling media based on usage and environmental conditions Interpret and apply manufacturers’ instructions and technical documents Perform inventory and material control for project execution Develop and follow installation management plans Design labeling schemes in accordance with organizational standards Interpret and analyze complex or multidisciplinary drawings and specifications Develop and implement quality control plans to meet required standards Solve a range of problems, including integration and coordination issues Assess work sites to identify and mitigate risks and hazards Evaluate building structures to optimize cable routing and minimize impact Develop and follow site-specific safety plans Apply design principles to various industrial network environments Incorporate considerations for AI systems, cloud platforms, and SDN architectures Design cabling systems that support next-generation ICT devices and connectivity Evaluate designs from a sustainability and life-cycle perspective Maximize sustainability in planning, materials selection, and process design Complete all required documentation accurately and on time
4	ICT network infrastructure installation	30
	The individual needs to know and understand: Types, characteristics, and use cases of copper and optical fibre cables Methods of routing, fixing, and terminating copper and fibre cabling Functional use of fibre connection hardware such as closures, splice boxes, and patch panels Practical considerations for different fibre applications (e.g. FTTH, PON, access networks, outdoor installations) Physical installation requirements in commercial, industrial, and residential environments Component relationships and connection sequences in copper and fibre structured cabling systems Spatial and pathway systems (e.g. TR, ER, TE, cable trays, conduits, fibre channels) and their configuration On-site safety practices, cleanliness, and organisation during installation Procedures for removing abandoned cables and restoring the site after installation Visual inspection and cleaning techniques for fibre connectors Principles of polarity and methods to verify correct polarity throughout the system Practical thresholds for pulling tension, minimum bend radius, fill ratio, and cable support Handling procedures for advanced cable types (e.g. high-density MPO, bend-insensitive fibre) Installation requirements for cloud-managed devices, AI-based terminals, and IoT sensors
	The individual shall be able to: Install structured cabling systems in various environments, including offices, industrial sites, homes, and data centres Perform installations for building systems including lighting, access control, security, fire alarms, and IIoT Set up telecommunications spaces (TR, ER, TE) and cable pathway systems (tray, conduit, fibre channel, etc.) Pull and route cables according to installation standards: Apply correct pulling tensions Observe minimum bend radius Maintain appropriate fill ratios and support methods Install equipment such as racks, patch panels, network devices, fibre closures, splice boxes, and TOs Terminate copper cabling (UTP, STP, coaxial) using IDC and appropriate techniques for multi-pair, 4-pair, and single-pair cables Splice and terminate optical fibre cables using: Fusion splicing Mechanical splicing Field-installable connectors Perform high-density cabling installation (e.g. MPO/MTP) and handle bend-insensitive cables properly Implement full physical installation of both copper and optical structured cabling systems Connect modern devices such as AI-enabled systems, cloud-managed access points, and IoT sensors Visually inspect and clean all optical fibre connectors before termination Verify and maintain correct polarity across the system architecture Perform labelling and documentation according to project requirements Safely remove abandoned or obsolete cabling Clean and restore the site after completing installation Maintain tools and perform related administrative tasks Maintain a safe, clean, and client-respectful working environment throughout installation Maximize sustainability in materials handling and on-site installation processes
5	Wireless technology and connectivity	10
	The individual needs to know and understand: Wi-Fi standards, frequency bands, and channel configuration principles Wireless network planning concepts, including coverage, interference, and AP placement Communication protocols used in smart environments (e.g. Zigbee, Z-Wave, Bluetooth LE, LoRa, Thread) Architecture and components of smart homes, smart offices, and smart factories Integration principles for distributed building services (e.g. lighting, HVAC, security, access control) IoT and IIoT concepts, including device roles, addressing, and interoperability Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) and power supply considerations for wireless and smart devices Cloud-based platforms and centralized management systems for smart environments Security principles for wireless systems, including encryption, authentication, and access control Visual inspection and cleaning procedures for wireless-connected hardware
	The individual shall be able to: Install and configure wireless communication systems (e.g. Wi-Fi access points) Conduct field surveys for wireless signal coverage, interference, and performance Plan and configure Wi-Fi channels, SSIDs, VLANs, and segmentation for secure connectivity Install and configure smart devices in home, office, and industrial environments Integrate smart systems with cloud-based or centralized control platforms Deploy and configure distributed systems such as lighting, HVAC, access control, and monitoring Select and apply suitable communication protocols based on device type and system design Install and verify PoE-powered smart and wireless devices, ensuring proper power allocation Configure wireless system security, including WPA encryption and authentication methods Perform testing, verification, and basic troubleshooting of wireless and smart systems Clean, inspect, and maintain wireless hardware and associated components Maintain documentation, labelling, and site cleanliness related to wireless system installation
6	Measurement, testing, and quality control	20
	The individual needs to know and understand: Common sources of faults and performance issues in network infrastructure systems Business impacts and operational risks resulting from system performance degradation Requirements for technical documentation, quality assurance reporting, and labelling Principles of test result validation and interpretation Tools and methods for testing copper and optical fibre cabling systems (e.g. continuity, loss, polarity) Procedures and tools for Wi-Fi signal measurement, coverage analysis, and interference detection Standards and best practices for quality verification in network installations Structure and management of administrative and quality control records
	The individual shall be able to: Perform testing of copper and optical fibre cabling systems using appropriate test equipment – e.g. wire map testers, continuity testers, OTDRs, certification testers Verify physical and transmission parameters, including polarity, continuity, attenuation, and return loss Conduct Wi-Fi signal surveys using site survey tools and spectrum analyzers Assess Wi-Fi coverage, signal strength, channel utilization, and interference Document and interpret Wi-Fi survey results using heatmaps or standardized reporting formats Validate test results against project specifications and applicable standards Complete test reports, quality control logs, and installation records accurately and clearly Label tested components and cabling to support ongoing maintenance and system navigation Provide end users and clients with documentation and guidance on tested system capabilities and limitations Implement minor updates or adjustments necessary to meet evolving quality or performance requirements
7	Troubleshooting and Preventive Maintenance	15
	The individual needs to know and understand: Principles, functions, and limitations of diagnostic and testing tools Common causes of faults in copper, fibre, and wireless network systems Procedures for identifying, isolating, and addressing faults in network infrastructure Certification and inspection standards for structured cabling systems Maintenance schedules, inspection frequency, and replacement criteria Use of remote monitoring systems (e.g. SNMP, syslog, cloud dashboards) for predictive maintenance Environmental and sustainability considerations in maintenance activities (e.g. repair vs replace decisions) Documentation requirements for fault events, maintenance actions, and customer communication
	The individual shall be able to: Select and use appropriate diagnostic tools based on media, system type, and fault symptoms Inspect and evaluate copper and fibre cabling systems for damage, wear, or degradation Certify optical fibre systems using Optical Loss Test Sets (OLTS) and Optical Time Domain Reflectometers (OTDR) Certify copper systems using cable or LAN testers in accordance with industry standards Assess fibre connector end-face quality using appropriate inspection tools (e.g. microscope, interferometer) Clean and re-terminate connectors or replace components as required Interpret remote monitoring data, error logs, or performance alerts to detect emerging issues Optimize performance of wireless networks by analyzing interference, channel use, and signal degradation Apply corrective actions to restore full system functionality Execute scheduled preventive maintenance tasks to reduce downtime risk Apply sustainability principles during maintenance, such as component reuse and minimal e-waste Document all maintenance and fault resolution activities clearly and systematically Provide users or clients with guidance on maintenance schedules, observed issues, and recommended actions
	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 Telecommunications Technician: https://esco.ec.europa.eu/en/classification/occupation?uri=http://data.europa.eu/esco/isco/C352, and a junior version of Telecommunications Engineering Specialists: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1241.01

These links also enables adjacent occupations to be explored.

ILO 3522: Telecommunications Engineering Technicians

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 Shanghai 2026.

Organization	Contact name
Black Box	David M. Richards, Quality and Training Manager
China Telecom Shanghai Branch	Xu Jun, Senior technical of communication lineman
Fujikura Co., LTD	Xialjie Li, Sales Manager
Guangdong VCOM Education Technology Co., LTD	Xiao Shifan, Director of Research and Development
Fujikura Co., LTD	Xialjie Li, Sales Manager
Macau Telecom	Ou Jiawen, Senior Manager
Xi'an Kaiyuan Electronics Industrial Co., LTD	Wang Gongru, Founder, Chairman, CEO