What they do

As our world grows ever more connected, our reliance on fast, secure networks grows as well. At the heart of this explosive growth is fiber optic cable, the miracle technology that connects one network to another, more quickly and more securely (and over greater distances) than copper or steel. The need for those who know how to install and maintain these cables is growing exponentially as well. If you are detail oriented, technically minded, and don’t mind working in some potentially rough landscapes and weather, Fiber Optics Installer could be the job for you! Learn more about the benefits of fiber optic internet here.

 

How they can help

Connecting one network to another (especially in rural or rugged environments) is challenging for the engineers who design these networks, but additional real-world obstacles can arise once on-site. Installers, therefore, must be nimble and creative when installing cables the first go-around and exercise outside-the-box thinking and advanced troubleshooting when they’re called in to fix broken cables or disrupted networks. When our networks go down, they come to the rescue, patching and reconnecting cables, redesigning circuitry, and (often after natural disasters wreak havoc) braving bad weather and treacherous conditions on the ground to lay new cable and get our network up and running.

 

What tools they can use

Unlike the engineers who might use computer applications to design the cabling layouts, the installer does the physical connections of one cable to another and from cable to pieces of equipment. For this, they will need splicing tools as well as welding tools and equipment for testing the cable functions such as power meters, light sources, and optical time domain reflectometers (OTDRs). They will use these tools for initial installation as well as for ongoing maintenance.

 

How they got there

Although this is a very hands-on, practical profession, installers are required to have a Bachelor’s degree in telecommunications, IT, engineering, or electronics. In addition to the certificates noted below, most fiber optics installers also undergo a rigorous apprenticeship that could last from 3 to 5 years.

 

Where you can start

If you’ve already got a solid technical foundation, there are a number of certificates that can bolster your resume for firms hiring fiber installers. A Certified Fiber Optics Technician (CFOT) cert provides a great baseline understanding of fiber installation, splicing, and testing. The more advanced Certified Premises Cabling Technician (CPCT) cert is perfect if you want to get into enterprise networks, as it boosts your security management skills and prepares you to handle not just fiber but copper cable (often being replaced by fiber) and even wireless networks.

 

Make no mistake, being a fiber optic installer is a challenging job, taxing not just your brain but your body. Installers may need to climb to high ridges, wriggle into tight spaces, or endure extreme weather conditions. But if being outdoors, working with your hands, AND contributing to the world staying connected, fiber installation might be the perfect path for you.