Do you want to get into the fiber industry? In this video, I interview Scott Boudreaux, an experienced fiber tech, and he explains some of the ways you can become a fiber technician. Don’t let the price of fiber tools scare you away. There are ways to get into the fiber industry without spending a fortune.
If you are on CloudWork Pro, Field Nation, or you have your own direct clients, being able to accept fiber service calls can increase your hourly rates and profitability.
This video was sponsored by CloudWork Pro. CloudWork Pro is committed to helping technicians become more effective techs in the IT contracting industry and providing the best platform and pay. If you would like to apply to join CloudWork Pro, click the link below:
https://cloudworkpro.com/techs/?utm_source=fta&utm_medium=youtube&utm_campaign=fta-sponsorship
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I have performed Field Nation alternative client jobs in the freelance IT tech industry since 2000, on Field Nation since 2010, and on Work Market since 2011. Field Tech Academy gives you the secrets of 20+ years of experience how you can succeed as an Independent IT Field Tech working with Field Nation, Work Market, Cloud Work Pro, and many other Field Nation alternative clients.
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In this video, Michael from Field Tech Academy talks with Scott Boudreaux about the growing opportunities for fiber optic technicians. Scott’s company, Technician Rental Service, specializes in providing tech experts, and he shares insights on fiber optic work.
Fiber optics are in high demand due to the RDOF Grant funding for rural broadband, which has led major telecom companies to absorb many fiber techs. This creates a significant opportunity for contractors to fill the gap left by a shortage of experienced fiber optic technicians.
Scott highlights that while learning fiber optics can seem complex, advancements in technology have made it more accessible. Tools like pre-terminated MPL connectors in data centers simplify the process, and basic fiber testing can often be done with affordable equipment.
Scott’s own success story with fiber optics illustrates the potential rewards. He started with a $2,500 UniCam kit, which allowed him to take on high-paying projects, including offshore work. For those new to fiber optics, entry costs have decreased. Basic kits for fiber termination are now available for $30, and even used OTDRs can be purchased for a fraction of their original cost.
Fiber optics come in two main types: single-mode and multimode. Single-mode fiber supports long-distance transmission and higher speeds, while multimode fiber is used for shorter distances and can handle various data rates. Tools and costs vary between these types, with UniCam kits being cost-effective for smaller jobs and fusion splicers being more economical for larger projects.
Scott recommends starting with affordable tools and gradually investing in more advanced equipment as needed. Entry-level fiber work can be done with basic kits, while more complex jobs might require specialized tools like fusion splicers or OTDRs. He advises starting with used equipment to manage costs and to understand the essential components of fiber work.
For those interested in contracting, Scott suggests looking into CloudWork Pro, a marketplace for IT field services that connects technicians with national clients. This platform vettes technicians and offers a high client satisfaction rate, making it a good option for those looking to expand their fiber optic business.
In summary, while fiber optic work can initially seem daunting due to costs and complexity, there are accessible entry points and significant opportunities in the field. Proper tools, continued learning, and leveraging platforms like CloudWork Pro can help technicians succeed in this growing sector.
So, Scott, your company name is Technician Rental Service?
Yes.
That’s a funny name because that’s basically what you’re doing—you’re renting a tech. A bunch of rent-a-techs. I like that.
Hello, this is Michael with Field Tech Academy. In today’s video, I am visiting with Scott Boudreaux. Scott and I have been talking about his skill set in fiber and how it is a great opportunity for technicians, and I thought that you all would benefit from hearing from him.
So, Scott, welcome to the channel.
Thank you for having me.
One company where you can apply these fiber skills that we’re going to be discussing in this video is at cloudworkpro.com. They are sponsoring this video and really desire to help technicians go to a whole new level. CloudWork Pro is your source for contract IT field service work. Find out more at cloudworkpro.com.
I’d like to talk about the tremendous opportunity that has opened up for fiber optic technicians. Whether you’re doing data center work, new builds, or you’re just bringing fiber to the home. When Congress passed the RDOF Grant to provide money to rural broadband, all of the fiber techs pretty much got sucked up by the big telecom companies because of the free money and the ability to staff up.
We have a unique opportunity just in contracting now where there’s not enough fiber optic experienced techs. The most complicated part is learning the types of fiber and how to terminate, but it goes back to being harder than copper. But at the same time, it’s also not as hard as you think. Our technology has come a long way in terminating. In a lot of cases, we’ll have pre-terminated MPL connectors, so you just have to know how to test the fiber.
I’m presenting this to all of you guys, especially you contractors. Fiber saved my business. I taught myself, and I got with some other fiber techs to verify that I was doing everything correctly. And once I did that, I took off. I advertised, ended up going offshore twice to fix fiber on oil rigs. I made 15 grand being out there five days, three of which I was sitting there eating steak and doing nothing until the boat came back. So there is a need for fiber techs. As a subcontractor, as a small business, we have an opportunity to expand our structured cabling business, even some of our existing contract companies that we work for.
Have you ever had the situation where, “Hey, we’ve got this cabling job, we need ten drops. Oh, but can you terminate OM3 fiber?” “Oh man, I just can’t. I’m sorry, we’re going to have to find a tech that can do all of it.” I’ve seen that, and I’ve been offered fiber jobs and I see them come through. Even Field Nation, WorkMarket, and my direct clients.
I’ve been in this industry for 25 years, but I’ve never gotten into fiber. I’ve kind of regretted that. You know, and maybe you can help dispel some myths. For me, one concern about doing fiber was the tool cost.
Okay. So we have multiple options. Fiber is expensive, but the cost of everything has come down. Not only that, look at your clients’ needs. We have what’s called mechanical splicing, like Corning UniCam, with twist-on style connectors now that are very cheap. If you learn how to cleave a fiber, technically speaking, you don’t even need a termination tool as long as the client allows it. We’ve come to the point where you can get a $30 cleave kit on Amazon and these connectors that are seven bucks and mechanically splice in a situation that you can affordably do it.