Instead of taking off work to wait for the phantom cable guy, or pleading with your Internet Service Provider to change your fiber-optic cables back to copper so you can get DSL service, why not take your telecommunication experience into your own hands? Cable technician training can show you how.

An Evolving Industry
In a world where families and businesses are spread across the globe, telecommunication (communication at a distance) is no longer a luxury - it's a necessity. Where would you be without your laptop? Or your iPhone? Or your DVR? All of these are facets of a cable technician career, which encompasses voice, video, and Internet communication services.

In your cable technician career, you'll be entering an ever-evolving industry that is continually introducing new technologies and services. Fiber-optic networks bring lightning-speed communications to residential customers. Wireless providers are increasing the capacity of their radio networks and introducing improved portable devices that transmit voice, data, e-mail, and video. And, some wireless phones now use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology to make phone calls through local wireless Internet networks.

Cable technicians work with cable network systems in a variety of specialties. Line installers and repairers connect central offices to customers' buildings. Cable splicers specialize in splicing together two telecommunication lines. Equipment installers and repairers install, repair, and maintain complex communications equipment and cables. Cable installers travel to customers' locations to set up pay television service so customers can receive programming.

Formal Cable Technician Training
As technology becomes more complex, the education requirements for cable technician jobs have expanded. Cable technician training programs are offered by many community and technical colleges. Some programs partner with local companies to offer one-year certificates that emphasize hands-on field work. In cable technician programs, you can expect to learn the ins and outs of audio, data, and video cable networks, how they work, what they do, as well as how to install, manage, and repair them.

Two-year associate degree programs provide a broader knowledge of the technology used in telecommunications and electrical utilities, with courses in computers, electricity, electronics, fiber optics, and microwave transmission. Of course, graduates of formal one-year or two-year cable technician programs often have the best job opportunities.

Once you become a cable technician, you may wish to pursue professional certification. The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers offers certification programs for those employed in the cable television industry. With proper certification, you may find employment with cable and telephone companies. Cable technicians may also work at specialized businesses.

Cable Technician Career Outlook
In light of the population expansion, cable technicians will be needed to lay the wiring for new developments and provide new telecommunications and cable television services. Plus, cable technicians will be needed to replace old copper wiring with fiber-optic cable. And as telecommunications companies offer faster Internet connections, video-on-demand, and hundreds of television stations, cable technicians will be called upon to build the networks required to provide these services.

Those with formal cable technician training can expect to be well-compensated for their efforts. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual earnings for telecommunications line installers and repairers were $48,090 in May 2008. Median annual earnings for telecommunications equipment installers and repairers were $55,600.

Quit waiting for the elusive cable guy, and boost your career competence with cable technician training today.