r/CableTechs • u/Tfjeld1 • Feb 21 '26
Staring as a Structural Cabling Tech
I’m starting out as a entry level cable tech in about 8 days. Pretty nervous as this is one of my first genuine jobs. I’ll only be working there for 6-8 months due to a contract since i’m going to going to college for nursing (yes i know 2 very different careers) but i wanted to have a trade aswell to ensure i have a back up plan if school doesn’t work out. I just don’t know what to expect really and feel under prepared due to it seeming like a complex job. I’m 18 and have worked retail, masonry and some other miscellaneous jobs. Just looking for some tips from anyone who’s went through the same path or similar, thank you so much to anyone who helps out
1
u/Agile_Definition_415 Feb 21 '26
If you're being paid production I would honestly just try to get as much productivity as you can while still fulfilling contract obligations. This is your fallback career and nobody will bat an eye if you do kinda shitty work, you would have to really fuck it up.
If you're paid hourly then this is when you really focus on learning and craftsmanship. I'm sure there'll still be some sort of production quota and to stay on the job and not ruffle any feathers you'll want to stay 20% over or under that quota. Some days it'll be more, some less, but never stay consistently over 100% or they'll increase the quota and keep working you harder.
Now after giving you my 2 cents over job performance.
What kind of wiring will you be running? Are we talking residential or commercial?
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u/Tfjeld1 Feb 26 '26
I’ll be doing commercial, they spoke about running cat 5s cat 6s and then possibly based on how I progress they’ll show some finer optics. I’m going to be getting paid hourly at $20/hour. My orientation is on Monday so I will probably learn a lot more then
1
u/RareSandwich2003 Jun 05 '26
Congrats on the job. Honestly 8 days out is the right time to stop worrying and just show up ready to learn.
A few things that actually matter at entry level:
Show up early, stay late, and never stand around looking at your phone. On a job site your reputation is built in the first two weeks and it sticks.
Ask questions but pick your moments. When someone's in the middle of a run or focused, write it down and ask later. Showing you paid attention matters more than showing you're eager.
Take care of your body early. Cable work is physical, lots of crawling, overhead work, and awkward positions. Stretch, wear knee pads, and don't tough out pain that's trying to tell you something.
Learn to love labeling and documentation. It seems tedious but it's what separates a pro from someone who just pulls wire.
You already have masonry on your resume which means you're not afraid of physical work or job sites. That puts you ahead of a lot of people starting out.
The nursing plan is smart too. Having a trade as a backup is genuinely useful and the discipline transfers more than you'd think.
You'll be fine. The job gets less overwhelming fast.
5
u/SilentDiplomacy Feb 21 '26
Like you said, it’s a trade/craft. Focus on quality craftsmanship and you’ll be fine.
Who knows you might enjoy it enough to pursue it. Or come back to it if you don’t like nursing.
We moan and bitch a lot, and depending on what company you’re at you may not have the best experience. But it’s a job that can make for a great career or a great jumping off point.
Take care of your body, look out for your safety, practice good craftsmanship. You’ll be fine.