Fiber Optics Technicians

Visit Optics 4 Kids (http://www.optics4kids.org) and Work in Optics (https://workinoptics.com) to learn more about the industry. Ask a teacher to set up an information interview with an experienced fiber optics technician. Talking with someone in the field is the best way to learn about any career. Suggested interview questions include: What made you want to enter this career? What type of tools and equipment do you use to do your work? What do you like most and least about your job? How did you train for this field? What are some key skills for success? What advice would you give to young people about preparing for the field and being successful on the job? How will advances in technology change the field? Perhaps you could even job-shadow a fiber optics technician to learn even more about the field.

Participate in student competitions that are offered by SkillsUSA (https://www.skillsusa.org) and other organizations to build your skills, meet people with shared interests, compete for scholarships and cash prizes, and have fun. SkillsUSA offers a Telecommunications Cabling competition in which competitors "demonstrate skills in fiber and copper cable termination, pulling and mounting cabling, patch panel installation and termination, installing jacks, cable and fiber optic testing and troubleshooting, and providing customer service." Other technical competitions are available.