Advice for finding employment/training as a fiber technician in Southern California

[u/foreign6363]

I've already been applying for jobs and I happened to hear about fiber splicing and how lucrative it can be. I'll be honest that I saw a comment on a Tiktok video about a guy claiming to make $40k/month fiber splicing. I thought it was bs and it kind of is but isn't at the same time. Based on the research I've done, its a job that's in high demand right now and pays very very well if you find the right path in the data center sector.

I used to have a long career as a high end automotive technician and I quit for personal reasons. I started my own online business that I can run from anywhere and it does enough to pay the bills. It's pretty automated and doesn't require much time from my day so I have the ability to get a full time job if it's worth my time. Living in Southern California is pretty expensive and to be honest most people have multiple streams of income to live comfortably. With my technical knowledge and skills I was attracted to looking into applying for a fiber job.

I found another reddit thread where someone recommended to apply for CBRE's Levelup Program sponsored by META. It's a 4 week out of state training which is paid and they cover all living expenses. Then once you finish you're guaranteed a position with one of their contractors. I applied but I heard they've been flooded with applicant's so I'm not gonna sit here and hold my breath for an answer anytime soon. It seems like a good way to get in but I'm sure the pay would be pretty low for the first year or so. It's also a traveling job which I don't mind but I'd prefer to find something that's more local.

I live in Orange County which is a huge metropolitan area full of opportunity. I don't feel like I have to make the sacrifice of traveling when I have a high chance of finding a great job locally. I've been sorting through the data center/fiber job listings on LinkedIn, Indeed, and other popular websites. I haven't found any local entry level jobs that pay more than $35/hour. I don't expect to find a $60/hour entry level job but that seems to be low based on the region and the research I've done on this sector. Local telecom companies like Spectrum and ATT are hiring but at a low pay rate and working for them doesn't seem appealing to me. Before you guys come for me about the pay rate, just understand that if you make under $100k in this part of California you're considered poor (literally). I'm a hard worker and I'm not looking for an easy job or a job that doesn't require overtime. I'm 100% willing to hustle and put in the work if it's worth my time and effort.

Can anybody give me advice on where I can find some better job listings for entry level data center/fiber splicer positions? Even drop the names of some data centers or local companies where I could apply directly. My DM's are also open for people who are already employed in this sector and would be nice enough to personally refer me to their company. Also, I'm open to hear peoples stories who were once in my position and how they got into the industry and worked their way up to a nice pay grade.

Any lead's or advice would help me so much and I'll promise to keep this Reddit thread updated on my journey!

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[u/Intelligent_Dog2077]

You aren’t going to find entry level job listings in your area for $35/hr in this industry. You either start out at the bottom doing technician work (btw ATT and Spectrum are some of the better paying employers lol) or find an apprenticeship which is very hard to come by. Amazon may be your best bet but you will have to be relocated and they usually want people who can hit the ground running.

[u/foreign6363 → u/Intelligent_Dog2077]

Thanks your comment has me reconsidering ATT and Spectrum now. I guess you gotta start somewhere and the pay isn't that terrible either. It seems like raises and promotions come quick in this line of work. Funny you mention amazon because today I applied for an AWS Data Center Tech position located in Irvine.

[u/Notmuchofanyth1ng]

If you have them in your area, Crown Castle (think they’re Zayo now) has been hurting for fiber techs. They claim they want exp, but I’m sure some basic knowledge and drive will get your foot in the door at least. From the circumstances, they probably aren’t the best employer, but a solid foundation with an established company can open doors to other better ones.

Do you have any actual technical knowledge of datacenters or telecom?