Tower Technician Programs in San Bernardino, California

Becoming a Tower Technician in San Bernardino, California

Pursuing a career as a tower technician in San Bernardino, California, can open doors to an essential and well-compensated technical profession within the rapidly evolving telecommunications industry. Tower technicians—also known as tower climbers, cell tower technicians, or telecommunications tower technicians—install, maintain, and repair the communication towers that underpin wireless networks, emergency services, and broadcast systems.

This guide explores the training and education paths available to prospective tower technicians in San Bernardino, outlines local training providers, connects readers with area employers, and explains industry-recognized certifications. Whether you are a recent graduate, a career changer, or a professional seeking advancement, understanding the requirements and opportunities in this field will set you on the path to success.

About San Bernardino

San Bernardino is a thriving city in the Inland Empire region of Southern California. Known for its proximity to the San Bernardino Mountains and historic Route 66, the city serves as a regional hub for logistics, transportation, and technology. San Bernardino offers diverse neighborhoods, such as Arrowhead, Del Rosa, and Muscoy, and is home to institutions like California State University, San Bernardino. Learn more about the city by visiting the official City of San Bernardino website.

As the demand for wireless connectivity rises, local infrastructure projects and telecommunications initiatives continue to create opportunities for tower technicians throughout San Bernardino and the broader Inland Empire.

Tower Technician Training Programs in San Bernardino, California

While San Bernardino is a significant metro area, specialized tower technician training programs are limited within the city itself. However, several reputable training centers are located nearby, making it possible for residents to access quality education and hands-on experience.

1. BTS (Blazer Technical Services) – Ontario, CA

  • Location: Ontario (approx. 20 miles west of San Bernardino)
  • Program: BTS offers hands-on courses in utility pole and tower climbing, fall protection, bucket truck and pole top rescue, and confined space work. Their training facility provides realistic scenarios that prepare students for the demands of tower work.
  • Website: BTS Training Programs

2. Technical Rescue Systems (TRS) – Traveling/Onsite Training Available

  • Location: TRS provides on-site and custom tower technician training throughout California, including the Inland Empire region.
  • Program: Courses include Authorized Climber, Competent Climber, Advanced Climber, and custom training. Emphasis is placed on hands-on instruction, safety, and compliance with OSHA and ANSI standards.
  • Website: Technical Rescue Systems Training

3. Tower Safety – Phoenix, AZ (Travel and Remote Options)

  • Location: Phoenix, Arizona (approx. 325 miles east; also offers training at client sites in California)
  • Program: Tower Safety delivers accredited tower climber safety courses, including Authorized Climber, Competent Climber, rescue training, RF awareness, and more. Instructors have decades of field and training experience within the wireless industry.
  • Website: Tower Safety Training

Note: If you are seeking in-person programs located directly in San Bernardino, local options may be limited. However, many training providers offer flexible scheduling, on-site classes, and blended online/in-person formats to accommodate students in the area.

Tower Technician Employment Opportunities in San Bernardino

San Bernardino’s location in the Inland Empire positions it near several major telecommunications carriers, tower service companies, and wireless infrastructure providers. Many companies actively hire tower technicians for both entry-level and experienced roles.

Major Employers in the Region

  • AT&T

    • Description: A national leader in wireless, broadband, and telecommunications infrastructure.
    • Employment Opportunities: AT&T Careers
    • Local Sites: Multiple network operations and service centers across San Bernardino County.

  • Verizon

    • Description: One of the largest wireless carriers in the U.S., supporting extensive tower and network infrastructure.
    • Employment Opportunities: Verizon Careers
    • Local Presence: Retail and network operations in San Bernardino and neighboring cities.

  • VCI Construction, LLC

    • Description: A premier Southwest telecom contractor specializing in tower construction, maintenance, and utility services.
    • Employment Opportunities: VCI Construction Careers
    • Nearby Offices: Regional operations throughout San Bernardino County.

  • T-Mobile

    • Description: Major wireless provider with ongoing network expansion in California.
    • Employment Opportunities: T-Mobile Careers
    • Local Operations: Service facilities and network support in the Inland Empire.

  • Crown Castle

    • Description: Leading owner and operator of wireless infrastructure, including towers and fiber networks.
    • Employment Opportunities: Crown Castle Careers
    • Regional Offices: Southern California locations serving San Bernardino.

Many telecommunications contractors, utility companies, and infrastructure firms in the area also offer tower climber and technician positions. Job seekers can find current openings on these companies’ official career pages.

Prerequisites for Tower Technician Programs

Before enrolling in a tower technician training program in California, candidates typically need to meet the following requirements:

  • Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent is generally required.
  • Minimum Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Physical Fitness: Ability to climb, lift, and work at heights (often up to 400 feet or more), with good overall health and upper body strength.
  • Background Check: Many programs or employers require a clean background check.
  • Drug Screening: Pre-employment or pre-training drug testing is common.
  • Driver’s License: A valid driver’s license is often required due to travel between job sites.

Some training programs may have additional prerequisites or require a basic aptitude for technical and mechanical tasks.

Tower Technician Certification Options

Certification is a critical step in becoming a successful tower technician. While California does not have a state-specific licensing requirement for tower climbers, employers and industry organizations expect technicians to earn credentials from nationally recognized bodies.

Key Industry Certifications

  • NWSA (National Wireless Safety Alliance)

    • Certifications: NWSA offers the Telecommunications Tower Technician 1 (TTT-1) and Telecommunications Tower Technician 2 (TTT-2) certifications.
    • Recognition: Widely accepted across the industry as proof of safety and technical competence.
    • Official Website: NWSA Certifications

  • ComTrain

    • Certifications: ComTrain provides Authorized Climber/Rescuer, Competent Climber/Rescuer, and Train-the-Trainer certifications.
    • Focus: Safety, fall protection, rescue procedures, and compliance with OSHA/ANSI standards.
    • Official Website: ComTrain Training

  • NATE (National Association of Tower Erectors)

    • Standards: NATE establishes industry best practices and offers the Climber/Rescuer Training Standard.
    • Resources: NATE Safety Resources

  • OSHA Training

    • Certifications: OSHA 10-Hour and 30-Hour Construction Safety certifications are often required or preferred.
    • Details: These courses cover essential safety procedures for construction and tower work.
    • Official Website: OSHA Training

  • RF Safety and Rescue

    • Providers: Many training companies, including Tower Safety and Technical Rescue Systems, offer Radio Frequency (RF) safety and tower rescue certifications.

Note: Most tower technician certifications require renewal every three years through continuing education or re-examination. Credentials from NWSA, ComTrain, and NATE are industry benchmarks and open doors to employment with reputable companies.

Get Started Today

A career as a tower technician in San Bernardino, California, offers exciting prospects, strong earning potential, and the chance to play a vital role in the region’s connectivity and communications infrastructure. With local and regional training options, robust employer demand, and clear certification pathways, now is an excellent time to take the first step.

Contact a local training provider today to learn more about program start dates, enrollment requirements, and how you can begin your journey toward becoming a certified tower technician. The industry needs skilled professionals—your future in telecommunications could start now.

For more information about the career outlook for telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, including tower technicians, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook.