Tower Technician Programs in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Becoming a Tower Technician in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Considering a career as a tower technician in Colorado Springs, Colorado? This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the profession, including education and training paths, certification requirements, local training programs, and employment opportunities. Whether your goal is to become a cell tower technician, tower climber, or telecommunications tower technician, understanding the steps to enter this high-demand field is essential.

Tower technicians—sometimes called tower climbers or cell tower technicians—install, inspect, maintain, and repair wireless communications equipment at significant heights. Their work is vital for supporting cell phone networks, broadcast signals, and broadband infrastructure. There are multiple entry points into this profession, ranging from formal training programs and apprenticeships to on-the-job learning. Industry-recognized certifications are commonly required, focusing on safety, technical skills, and regulatory compliance.

This guide details local options for tower technician training, key prerequisites, certification opportunities, and the employment landscape in Colorado Springs. If you’re ready to work outdoors, learn technical skills, and play a crucial role in modern connectivity, read on to discover how to become a tower technician in Colorado Springs.

About Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, located at the base of Pikes Peak in southern Colorado, is the state’s second-largest city and a regional hub for technology and telecommunications. Known for its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs offers a mix of urban amenities and outdoor adventure, with neighborhoods like Downtown, Briargate, and Old Colorado City providing diverse living and working environments. For more about the city, visit the official Colorado Springs website.

The city’s economy includes a strong presence of telecommunications companies, military installations, and high-growth industries. Its strategic location and ongoing infrastructure investments make it an ideal place to pursue a career as a tower technician.

Tower Technician Training Programs in Colorado Springs, Colorado

While Colorado Springs itself does not currently host a dedicated tower technician school, there are reputable training options in the broader region—particularly in the Denver metropolitan area and nearby cities. Here are three programs accessible to Colorado Springs residents:

1. Axxess Connect Climbing School (Denver, CO – ~70 miles north of Colorado Springs)

  • Website: Axxess Connect Climbing School
  • Location: Metro Denver, with tower training facilities
  • Description: Offers OSHA-compliant Tower Safety & Rescue training, Field Installation and Quality Assurance training, and job placement support. The Tower Safety Climbing & Rescue course for Authorized Person status costs $1,350 (plus $1,800+tax for a student kit). Their programs meet ANSI, OSHA, and NATE standards, and prepare students for real-world tower work. Post-training job placement assistance is available, making it a strong choice for entry-level candidates.

2. Technical Rescue Systems (Windsor, CO – ~115 miles north of Colorado Springs)

  • Website: Technical Rescue Systems
  • Location: Windsor, CO (northern Colorado)
  • Description: Specializes in tower climber safety and rescue certification training, with over 80% of instruction being hands-on. Courses cover fall protection, rescue operations, and compliance with OSHA, ANSI, and NATE standards. Training is led by instructors with industry and rescue experience, and the program is suitable for both new entrants and experienced technicians seeking advanced skills.

3. Pinnacle Career Institute – Tower Technician Program (Hybrid: Online & Kansas City, MO)

  • Website: Pinnacle Career Institute
  • Location: Online instruction with an 80-hour in-person boot camp in Kansas City, MO (~600 miles from Colorado Springs)
  • Description: Offers a 30-week program combining online coursework with practical, hands-on training during a residential boot camp. The curriculum prepares students for the National Wireless Safety Alliance (NWSA) Telecommunications Technician Level 1 Practical exam, as well as OSHA-10, CPR, and First Aid certifications. This program is ideal for those seeking a comprehensive training experience and national certification.

Note: If you are based in Colorado Springs, Denver-area programs are the closest in-state options, with Windsor and online/hybrid programs providing additional flexibility. Always confirm travel requirements and schedules with each school.

Tower Technician Employment Opportunities in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is home to several telecommunications employers and tower service companies that regularly seek qualified tower technicians. Here are some notable organizations:

1. Eastex Tower LLC

  • Website: Eastex Tower
  • Location: Serving Colorado Springs and the surrounding region
  • About: Eastex Tower is a leading tower construction and maintenance company. They hire tower technicians, civil technicians, crew foremen, and construction managers for projects in Colorado Springs and throughout the state.

2. Viaero Wireless

  • Website: Viaero Wireless Careers
  • Location: Statewide, with coverage in and around Colorado Springs
  • About: Viaero Wireless is a regional wireless carrier providing voice and data services. They employ tower technicians for maintenance, upgrades, and new tower installations.

3. ThinAir Communications

  • Website: ThinAir Communications
  • Location: Based in Elizabeth, CO (~65 miles north of Colorado Springs), serving the Front Range including Colorado Springs
  • About: Specializes in tower construction, RF engineering, and technical services. They hire certified tower climbers and telecommunications professionals for projects across southern Colorado.

Larger national contractors and infrastructure providers also operate in the region, and many opportunities can be found through the Pikes Peak Workforce Center and the statewide Connecting Colorado job portal. Telecommunications growth in Colorado Springs is driven by expanding 5G networks, broadband projects, and ongoing infrastructure upgrades.

Prerequisites for Tower Technician Programs

Before enrolling in a tower technician training program, applicants typically must meet the following requirements:

  • Education: High school diploma or GED
  • Minimum Age: Usually 18 years or older
  • Physical Fitness: Ability to work at heights (often 150–450 feet), lift up to 75 pounds, and work in all weather conditions
  • Health & Weight: Weight restrictions may apply (commonly 130–310 pounds) due to equipment specifications
  • Background Check: Must pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening
  • Driver’s License: Valid license and clean driving record (required by most employers)
  • Mechanical Aptitude: Experience with hand and power tools is preferred but not always mandatory

Some programs and employers may also give preference to military veterans or candidates with prior technical experience.

Tower Technician Certification Options

Certification is a critical component of the tower technician career path. Most employers and training programs require or strongly recommend industry-recognized credentials. Here are the primary options:

National Wireless Safety Alliance (NWSA) Certifications

  • Website: NWSA
  • Certifications:
    • Telecommunications Tower Technician 1 (TTT-1): For entry-level technicians; verifies safety and basic technical skills.
    • Telecommunications Tower Technician 2 (TTT-2): For experienced technicians, often involves supervisory duties.
  • Details: NWSA certifications are nationally recognized and based on ANSI/ASSE and NATE safety standards.

ComTrain Certifications

  • Website: ComTrain
  • Certifications: Offers Authorized and Competent Climber/Rescuer, Competent Rigging, and Train the Trainer courses.
  • Details: ComTrain is widely accepted in the telecommunications industry and meets OSHA, ANSI, and NATE requirements.

NATE Climber/Rescuer Training Standard (CRTS)

  • Website: NATE CRTS
  • Description: Sets the baseline for fall protection, rescue, and safety procedures on tower sites. Many training programs incorporate NATE CRTS into their curriculum.

Tower technician certification is typically industry-based rather than state-regulated, meaning these credentials are valid throughout Colorado and nationwide.

Get Started Today

A career as a tower technician in Colorado Springs offers strong earning potential, advancement opportunities, and the chance to make a direct impact on your community’s connectivity. With Colorado investing over $1 billion in broadband infrastructure and thousands of new telecommunications jobs projected, now is an excellent time to enter the field.

Take the first step by exploring the training providers listed above and reviewing their prerequisites. Reach out to a school’s admissions office using the contact forms provided on their websites. Completing a recognized tower technician training program and earning industry certifications will position you for success in a growing, high-demand field. Your expertise will help shape the future of wireless communications in Colorado Springs and beyond.

For more information about career outlook and salary data, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics page for Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers.