Hi,
Sorry if I’m not posting in the right place, but how can someone get started in this industry?
I have a strong background in networking, security and low voltage wiring. What tools are in your toolkit? What’s the most prominent type of fiber being worked on? Where can I get some formal training or certification?
Posted Jun 19, 2019, 4:00 PM UTC
An entry position at an ISP that provides fiber and has in-house fiber techs is an option.
Either find a contractor or an isp that does fiber work and learn in house or look to spend thousands. Fusion splice kits are pricey.
I started as a mate for a contractor that works in fibre/data/door access/cctv/electrical and now I work in all of the above while doing certification courses around work.
Light Brigade offers training courses, and certifications from ETA. They travel to train all over the US, so it's not limited to their home location. A company I used to work for sent 10 of us or so to one of their classes. This was the class we took. GREAT experience, and was well worth it in my opinion.
Search for jobs with FTTH or splicer apprentice in your area if you want to get on the construction splicing side. It’s kind of a crap shoot if someone is building in your area but that’s just for contractors.
I have some fiber certs but never really looked into the salary range i have 3 if i remember Fiber optics tech Outside plant and one other.
It depends on what you want to do. The fastest way is to do installations in customer's houses. For that you'll need some background and experience, so I'd recommend finding some company that does exactly that (I know some names but only in Spain). If you want to start on your own, you'll need a fusion splicer and some precision tools for cutting and peeling fiber, and other materials, but buying that without having some experience it's kinda crazy. Fiber equipment is very expensive, is a thing to have in mind...
Good luck bro!