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Fibre Optics / Splicing Training

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  • 04-11-2014 2:51pm
    #1
    Scheme
    Registered Users Posts: 5 ✭


    Hi

    This question has been posed in the forum before but not for a number of years so any current advice is really appreciated.

    I don't have any previous industry experience but looking to change career and get my foot in the door of fibre splicing and installation as there appear to be good opportunities. I have been checking out some courses and was wondering what the prospects are (both short and long term) before I start to re-train?

    I am based in Westmeath and just wondering if it is easy to get a job after training? Is previous industry experience a must have?

    Would really appreciate any info/tips those on the forum can provide


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    #2
    65535
    Registered Users Posts: 795 ✭✭✭65535


    Well it is a very specialised niche within the IT industry.
    If you could sub-contract from the larger companies then you might get work.
    Larger organisations like Eircom, UPC would do their own.
    Safe Pass of course, Driving Licence


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    #3
    Scheme
    Registered Users Posts: 5 ✭Scheme


    Thanks very much for responding.

    Am I right in thinking that if I do the training course I could apply for roles in the companies you mentioned. Some of the courses Ive looked at are only a week long so they seem quite short? Many thanks


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    #4
    65535
    Registered Users Posts: 795 ✭✭✭65535


    Yes they are quite short, there is actually not much to do (well apart from joining/splicing and terminating/testing)
    Some colleagues of mine done them years ago.
    The course will stand to you obviously and if you get a chance to do one for free or cheaply then best go for it.
    Even if you never use the skill it will fill up a CV :)
    Prospective employers will like to see a wide skill set presented to them.

    I am not sure if it covers UG (underground work) as that in itself would be another course due to testing for sewer gas and how to handle that and so on.

    My own experience with fibre is limited to using a torch to see which pair I have and getting 'stuff' to work over it.
    Internally it is just a case of putting in fibre patch leads with care about the 'bend radius' and ensuring you have the correct connectors for to plug them into routers/switches.
    Some reading up on the types of fibre and their connectors would assist before the course.

    Polishing, splicing and testing are 3 key areas that should be covered in it.

    I assume it is in a classroom environment however you should be prepared to work outside in weathers and so on.

    Maybe some poster who has this skill might post soon.

    Regards


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    #5
    rugrat69
    Registered Users Posts: 67 ✭✭rugrat69


    There is work out there for Fibre splicing and testing on many fronts. The likes of Kn are always advertising for positions for splicers and cable techs. Have you any other relevant experience in the like of electrical or cat cabling ? As this would help your cause. Best to do a recognised course like city & guilds as this can be used worldwide. Wood communications run city & guilds courses which should suit you.


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    #6
    Scheme
    Registered Users Posts: 5 ✭Scheme


    Thanks Rugrat and 65535

    No previous experience. Plasterer by trade so completed a number of other courses..Safe Pass etc.

    I had heard about the Wood course so will check that out now

    Positive to hear that there are good prospects - even on a short term basis with the broadband rollout. Final question if either of you know...what's the typical salary for someone starting out?

    Again thanks for your help. Any advice is much appreciated.


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    #7
    roast
    Registered Users Posts: 2,320 ✭✭✭roast


    It's definitely a very active trade - even independent contractors are kept very busy and I can imagine the in-house engineers for the bigger companies are flat out all the time. Even without the large-scale rollouts happening now, there's still lots of work.
    Plenty of money in it but the days are long, there's loads of travelling/driving, lots of risks when working in built-up areas and the surrounding work is difficult. I'm not sure of salaries but actual jobs command a hefty price.


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    #8
    65535
    Registered Users Posts: 795 ✭✭✭65535


    Good suggestion there from rugrat, companys will prefer guys who can do CAT cabling as well as fibre.


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