Is Fiber Network Technician a Good Career Choice?

Fiber network technicians connect cables, Internet, telephones and other telecommunications equipment to various service providers. They work in residential homes, schools, businesses and more, maintaining and repairing installed cables as necessary to make them work properly. Since some fiber optic cables are located outside buildings, these professionals may have to climb stairs or use other methods to access high places to do their job, as well as to work in any weather. Driving is another important skill that you must have, since most installers use a company vehicle for transportation between different jobs. See the following diagram for an overview of how to access this field.

What does a fiber network technician do?

Fiber network technicians, also known as fiber network technicians and fiber optic network technicians, generally work for cable companies and Internet service providers. I would like to use fiber optic materials to connect customers to the Internet and install cable and telephone services. It may be necessary to install, maintain and repair fiber optic materials in homes, businesses and schools, working directly with customers to ensure their satisfaction. Technicians also set up routers and email accounts, as well as install the relevant software.

Are there any special requirements?

If you are considering this career, you must have excellent customer service skills and the ability to work in physically demanding conditions. You can expect to spend a lot of time working outdoors and you should feel comfortable climbing stairs and lifting heavy objects.

What Education Do I Need? While some companies hire fiber network technicians who have higher degrees, you may want to improve your employability with a university education. If you are thinking of enrolling in an educational program, you can choose between different certification options and degree courses. Some colleges in the community offer certification programs that can prepare you for certification of fiber optic technicians. Other options are an associate degree in telecommunication technology or a degree in telecommunication engineering. Although relatively rare, some schools offer degrees in networks and telecommunications.

If you want to get a job within a year, a certification program may be the best way to start your career. However, completing an associate's degree or degree program will increase your chances of finding a good job. Both degree programs will teach you cable systems, networks, data communications and wireless communications.

What About Certification? Many telecommunications companies are looking for technicians of fiber networks with technical certification. The Association of Electronic Technicians (ETA) offers more than 80 certifications, including the designation of the fiber optic installer (FOI), which is the first certification necessary to begin creating industry credentials (www.eta-i. Org). After obtaining the FOI designation, you can take the 3-day ETA course and the exam that leads to the designation of the Fiber Optic Technician (FOT). Certification can also be obtained through the Optical Fiber Association (FOA), which offers the designation of the Certified Optical Fiber Technician (CFOT) (www.thefoa.org).

How much money can I earn?

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. UU. (BLS), fiber network technicians are classified as installers and repairers of telecommunications lines (www.bls.gov). In 2018, BLS reported that jobs in this profession are expected to grow 4% between 2018-2028. The BLS also reported that the average annual salary for an installer and repairer of telecommunications lines was $ 58,280 in 2018.