For those of you enamored with the world of communications and cabling, the quantity of career options at your fingertips can be quite a small bit staggering at times. However, within this myriad of options, some believe that after a path has been chosen, there is only one way to achieve the necessary training. For network cabling technicians, at the least, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Currently, there is no education requirement to become a network cabling technician network cabling installers. Although two year certifications are becoming more of typical, some companies require nothing more than a willingness to master and to work. There are several companies that will hire interested employees, give them internal training, and then send them out to utilize provided equipment. However, in these cases, you’re generally just installing cable or terminating voice and data jacks. The hope is you will find out more sophisticated technology on the work over time.
The most common method to break to the network cabling field is via a certification program from the college or vocational school. This will generally take anywhere from 1-4 semesters and will give you a basic knowledge of telecommunications as well as practical teaching with fiber-optics and copper-based networks. Most, but not totally all, programs require a senior school diploma and students are expected to stay sufficient shape to dig trenches and lift heavy cables. This system isn’t recommended to those who find themselves claustrophobic or afraid of heights, as both these situations arise in the field.
To obtain jobs a step above those with a network cabling certification, you must obtain an associate’s degree in computer science or information technology. These programs are two year’s long and focus not merely on practical training, but on design and maintenance as well. You’ll discover ways to repair damaged cables and how exactly to terminate a line underground. You will also be able to design and build operational networking systems. To use you must be considered a senior school graduate.
Above and beyond the associate’s level, for those thinking about managerial or administrative positions, you will find bachelor’s and master’s degrees obtainable in information technology. These are standard college programs and require all the conventional university requirements. For most of these options, a lot of the popular schools only offer classes online. Which will be great for time management and those who live not even close to a university. However, online learning could be difficult, so check out technical institutes for classroom-based programs.
When you have received your training and education, the next thing is simply to obtain a job. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that job options in the telecommunications field are expected to boost next two years. Additionally they report the median salary for a network cabling technician to be around $51,000 a year. So if you’d prefer to be making some money and starting on your career, choose an exercise program, and get started.