Fibre optic technician

How to become a fibre optic technician

There are multiple routes to becoming a fibre optic technician. You could complete a college course or an apprenticeship. 

You should explore these routes to becoming a fibre optic technician to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions. 

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site. 

College/training provider 

There are various college courses you could take to help you on your journey to becoming a fibre optic technician, such as a: 

• Level 2 Certificate in Communications Cabling 
• Level 3 Diploma in ICT Systems and Principles 
• Level 3 Diploma in Telecommunication Systems. 

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained 
• Find a course near you 
• Funding advice  

Apprenticeship 

You could train to become a fibre optic technician by completing an intermediate apprenticeship as a telecoms field operative, or an advanced apprenticeship as a communications technician or cable installer. 

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you’ll be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider. 

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Find an apprenticeship near you
• Guide to apprenticeships 

Work experience 

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a fibre optic technician. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV. 

• Find out more about work experience 

Skills

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a fibre optic technician include:  

• Knowledge of telecommunications 
• Understanding of technical operating systems 
• Ability to use your initiative  
• Excellent attention to detail  
• Excellent customer service skills  
• Good mathematical abilities  
• Logical thinking skills.

Qualifications

What does a fibre optic technician do?

As a fibre optic technician, you will install and maintain fibre optic telecommunications, such as broadband, mobile and landline phone networks, and digital systems. 

The job role of a fibre optic technician involves the following duties: 

• Set up fibre optic telecommunication and data networks 
• Lay underground and underfloor fibre optic cabling 
• Test systems and find and fix any faults 
• Design, build and test fibre optic equipment 
• Liaise with customers in person, on the phone or online 
• Maintain detailed records of each job 
• Working in clients’ homes or businesses 
• Working outdoors in all weathers. 

How much could you earn as a fibre optic engineer?

The expected salary for a fibre optic technician varies as you become more experienced. 

• Newly trained fibre optic technicians can earn in the region of £16,000 
• Experienced fibre optic technicians can earn up to £30,000.* 

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do. 

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Check out the latest fibre optic technician vacancies:  

• Indeed 
• Totaljobs 

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up. 

Career path and progression

As a fibre optic technician, you could undertake training to progress into a role as a team leader or move into electrical engineering. 

You could also become self-employed and set up your own electrical installation business.