Network Cabling? Where to begin?

Nemesis379 · 24 Jul 2015 at 20:44

I've been working with computers for a numerous amount of years and I think I've finally found a field where I would like to start focusing, Network Cabling.

My family focuses on Construction work, my dad is a Contracts Manager, and my brother is a dryliner. And me, well I'm still at Asda (see my previous thread), it's been my first job, bit late but I have one.

I like the hands on work, rather than sitting typing away on the computer hence why I want to get into Network Cabling.

I know a lot of network cabling will be to do with the technical side of setting the routers/switches up etc, but it's what I wanna do.

Basically I want to know where do I start below is my CV that I currently have.

My current CV for IT Support Jobs:
**Removed**

Thanks for reading and again any input on this is appreciated.

Trifid · 24 Jul 2015 at 20:46

Network cabling in 99.9% of shops will be a separate entity to network management. You'll also not be earning very much doing it. So what side of networking do you want to do?

Zethor · 24 Jul 2015 at 20:47

Is it a good idea to post a CV with your real name and phone number on a popular public forum?

jsmoke · 24 Jul 2015 at 20:49

I don't know who would get a full time job actually just cabling, there's not a huge amount to it. You crimp on RJ45 connectors to cat cables, then lay the cables. Unless you talking about say working for BT and laying the optical fiber cables.

Trifid · 24 Jul 2015 at 20:53

jsmoke said:
I don't know who would get a full time job actually just cabling, there's not a huge amount to it. You crimp on RJ45 connectors to cat cables, then lay the cables.

Errr... Interesting method... You should be laying the cable then punch down to a patch panel/module...

There are dedicated network cabling companies, some large places may have a in house team but I've only seen places use a specialist cabling company a pay per run.

nutcase · 24 Jul 2015 at 20:53

Structured cabling is a professional and well regarded job - if it's done right. We use a company for 99% of our cabling because we want it done right, tested and documented. The other 1% I do usually as a temporary measure (which tends to last far too long).

Halestorm · 24 Jul 2015 at 20:57

Maybe look at jobs for companies that specialise in structured cabling to start? Dimension Data, Sapphire, Daisy Communications are all companies i've worked with in the past and they all train their own installers and are very good.
Dimension Data also provide some of the tracking and time keeping tech for the Tour De France alongside Festina (watch company)

LiGhTfasT · 24 Jul 2015 at 21:05

The telecoms side will get you the variety of work its sound like you want, I install data cabling / cw1308 then fit phone systems, routers, switches and wifi aps. The cabling side of the work seems to quieting down as sparkies will usually run the cabling in very cheap but for whatever reason wont terminate it.

The laptop is now becoming the weapon of choice, cant even remember the last time I had to get the SDS out.

Nemesis379 · 25 Jul 2015 at 13:25

Basically my family will eventually start their own construction business with the added benefits of IT intergrating cabling etc within houses, is there any qualifications that would be suited for this?

monkeyspank · 25 Jul 2015 at 14:27

Nemesis379 said:
Basically my family will eventually start their own construction business with the added benefits of IT intergrating cabling etc within houses, is there any qualifications that would be suited for this?

Being a cable monkey? No

monkeyspank · 25 Jul 2015 at 14:31

In other words just go for it.

trickycurve · 25 Jul 2015 at 14:32

nutcase_1uk said:
Structured cabling is a professional and well regarded job - if it's done right. We use a company for 99% of our cabling because we want it done right, tested and documented.

This to be honest. I work in a school and we still get professional contractors to lay the cabling, route it through the ceilings, create data points in classrooms, and wire it all up to patch panels. Fibre runs as well.

It's a proper trade.

monkeyspank · 25 Jul 2015 at 14:35

trickycurve said:
This to be honest. I work in a school and we still get professional contractors to lay the cabling, route it through the ceilings, create data points in classrooms, and wire it all up to patch panels. Fibre runs as well.

It's a proper trade.

Name a qualification then. OP is asking for one

nutcase · 25 Jul 2015 at 20:05

There's probably an NVQ or something. I know when they do our work they give a BS or EN number they do it to.

trickycurve · 25 Jul 2015 at 21:18

monkeyspank said:
Name a qualification then. OP is asking for one

Google's pretty useful y'know.

In all serious, I don't do the type of work myself so I honestly haven't the foggiest what qualifications or courses one can take to get into it 'network cabling'. I'd assume an apprenticeship? Or an NVQ as nutcase above pointed out.