Line Installers and Cable Splicers

In high school or vocational school, you can test your ability and interest in the occupations of line installer and cable splicer through courses in mathematics, electrical applications, and machine shop. Hobbies that involve knowledge of and experience with electricity also provide valuable practical experience. To observe line installers and cable splicers at work, it may be possible to have a school counselor arrange a field trip by calling the community relations office of the local telephone or cable television company. Participate in information interviews with line installers and cable splicers. In such an interview—which can be conducted in-person, on the phone, or through video-conferencing technology—you will get the opportunity to ask line installers and cable splicers about their job duties, work environment, likes and dislikes about their careers, educational training, and other topics that will help you to learn 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. In addition, Skills Competences Canada (https://www.skillscompetencescanada.com) offers competitions and career resources.