If you have a love for radio, communicating with others, and are organised then a career as a Radio Operator might be perfect for you.
Career Overview
Radio Operators are responsible for broadcasting messages, operating radio equipment, and producing programing for broadcasts. They work indoors, mostly in a radio booth. They need to be trained and proficient in the use of radio equipment. It is preferable that a radio operator have at least a high school matric certificate. However, some employers require degrees in fields such as radio engineering or communications. Some also require certifications for working with electrical and radio equipment.Â
Required School Subjects
There are no specified subjects in order to pursue a career as a Radio Operator. However, you might find the following to be useful:
- English (Home Language or First Additional Language)
- Pure Mathematics
- Information Technology (IT)
Institution and APS
A degree is not a prerequisite for a career as a Radio Station Operator. However, a degree in Communications or Radio Engineering could prove helpful.
- University of Cape Town (UCT) – Faculty Points Score (FPS) of 500.
Required Qualification/s
There are no specificed qualifications for pursuing a career as a Radio Operator but it is stated that a Matric certificate is a minimum requirement. Further studies in the fields of Electrical and Radio Engineering and Communications could prove very helpful.
Required Skills
You will need to have the following skills to succeed as a Radio Operator:
- Electrical skills
- Proficiency in the use of radio equipment
- Punctuality
- Problem solving skills
- Communication skills
Where you can work
There is a range of environments that you can find yourself working in as a Radio Operator:
- Car Services
- Food Distributors
- Security Forces
- Fire Services
- Emergency Services
- Air Traffic Control
- AM and FM Radio Stations
Working Hours
Your working hours will depend on the environment you work in. As mentioned earlier, there are many environments that a Radio Operator can work in, however you should expect a traditional 9am-5pm job to be probable for you.
Expected Salary
As a Radio Operator you can expect to earn on average R173 000 per year in South Africa.
What to expect
As a Radio Operator you should expect a stimulating and evolving career that is involved in aiding others, creating a sense of community and keeping the public entertained.
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