Jump Start -- by Mark Sproxton

As the name implies, wireless communications calls for a sound understanding of things technical and electronic, almost without exception. But with technology changing, morphing and growing daily, the opportunities for employment are many. Best of all, whether it's designing new software, installing radio equipment in a truck fleet, or building circuit boards, these jobs are readily available in Calgary. Read on for some ideas on places to investigate education and training opportunities within wireless.

Electronics assembly training

The University of Calgary offers a number of educational links to the wireless industry. Offering degrees in several types of engineering and computer science, the U of C also has significant links to high tech research projects. Through TR Labs university students are able to research all sorts of wireless technology.

The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology also has several paths leading to the wireless industry. One and two-year certificates/diplomas in several programs serve as good industry entry points. A 12-hour course providing an overview of wireless networks is also available to those wishing to find out more about this sector of the industry.

At the DeVry Institute of Technology, the three-year Electronics Engineering Technology and two-year Electronics Engineering Technician programs may also lead to employment in Calgary's wireless world.

The growth in the general use of wireless products, such as cellular phones and pagers, means more and more people are required on the sales side of the industry. A high school diploma or previous sales experience are assets here for those looking at this entry point to wireless.

Entry level positions in local manufacturing companies are also available, but most require a high school diploma at minimum. A current trend has development companies contracting out manufacturing duties, so this may prove to be a good way into a wireless position. A number of Calgary manufacturing companies, such as EMG, Interalia and Sanmina, offer in-house training for those looking to move up within these companies. People who are good communicators, team players and conscientious workers -- some circuit boards are worth several thousand dollars each -- with good hand-eye co-ordination will do well on this side of the industry.

Those looking at the manufacturing sector should consider having a regular eye exam. As circuit board assemblers work with parts as small as a grain of rice, being able to differentiate color bands on those tiny components is integral to the proper functioning of the board and its host device.

Reading technical books on topics such as building standards for electronic components may help those looking to gain entry-level work on the manufacturing side of wireless. These books, such as the IPC 610 manual, allow a better appreciation of technical things such as margins of error and component identification. The Calgary Public Library has numerous technical manuals in its inventory.

Research and development companies, such as Novatel Wireless, also offer in-house training for those considering a technical diploma as an entry point into the wirelss industry.

Participating in school science clubs, electronic-based industrial arts classes, or radio clubs, such as the Calgary Amateur Radio Association, will provide some much-valued technical understanding for those considering work in wireless.

For up to date information on which local company is doing what, the free distribution paper Silicon Valley North may prove to offer some potential leads on work opportunities.