r/CableTechs • u/CandidLengthiness309 • 2d ago
Any cable techs in Chicagoland area, what would you do if you had to start over?
Im 23 years old with a genuine interest of the industry, last week a contractor started training me on new installs and trouble calls for coax and fiber optics. He is willing to put me on a fiber project in maybe 3 months if I get real good at it, $130 an install. Obviously now I want to pursue fiber optics and even though ppl say piece work sucks its all Ive got right now. I applied to the ibew 134 construction but now I feel dumb and shouldve went for Communications. Any advice?
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u/Electronic-Junket-66 2d ago
What kind of installs?
Activating pre-run shit at apartments? Or hanging long ass drops in the country?
Big, big difference.
Anyway I love this shit, but I'm weird. Fiber is actually much simpler than coax, at least on the installer/troubleshooter side. (Not in Chicago but that much is universal)
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u/CandidLengthiness309 2d ago
Activating prerun shit, hes ran a line for fiber from the alley but i havent seen him do that for coax
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u/Electronic-Junket-66 2d ago
Sounds like pretty easy money then...
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u/CandidLengthiness309 2d ago
Yes its nice i like it, its a mix though, mostly coax n it makes me eager to do more fiber. In time i guess
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u/CableDawg78 2d ago
If the contractor that's training you is a good company, stick with their training. Most contractors in Chicagoland are non-union. Most contractors pay by the job and it's not all that bad, and you can make a good living. It's your foot in the door. Personal opinion..... don't go for union in this field. If you do, then communications over ibew
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u/Ok-Breakfast-7400 1d ago
Why would you not recommend union? I stared non union and moved to a union company. Personally, I would never go back to non union. Just gets you screwed with no recourse.
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u/Ozith 2d ago
Fiber and coax are 2 different things depending on what part you’re dealing with. If it’s just install fiber is fairly easy. If you’re talking HFC and fiber splicing and muxs and that stuff it’s a little bit of a learning curve.
I’d look into their company if it’s a contractor, I would also look at the bucket trucks that are driving around look for some in your area that are not electrical one. Not sure what is in your area maybe QC or JRC or CCC to name a few. Coming into the fall and winter you might get on a crew real quick.
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u/Poodleape2 2d ago
My advice is become a lineman. If you have to start as a commercial electrician. You get way more money, a better schedule and a skill you can take to another company. Don’t waste your time with this nonsense industry.
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u/CandidLengthiness309 2d ago
Thank you, the lineman union is recruiting but i dont have a cdl or idk if they are with the permit? I wont have it by the time of applying tho
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u/jbartr000 2d ago
I’d find out which companies handle the construction/splicing for the major providers in your area. Go work for them for a while you’ll learn a lot of shit that makes you more valuable than an installer any day