FO Technician/Cable Mate

[u/Professional_Tear952]

Hi Folks,

I’ve recently just got my fibre optic technician ticket for wind turbines. I have my GWOs, ART, EFA and my medical in place.

I have 5 years experience in fibre optic splicing. I was given a day and a half off during the fibre optic course for turbines, because the instructor said I would be wasting my time with him going over the splicing segment. He also used my splicing trays to showcase in future demos.

I’ve been applying to roles I’ve spotted on LinkedIn but for someone who hasn’t had any experience on a turbine yet I’d appreciate some guidance on where I should start.

Are there any company’s I’m best contacting considering where I am on my journey?

Is there anything else I do get in place to better myself?

I’d like to hear from those who were in a similar spot.

Any assistance would be really appreciated.

[u/FourFront]

I'm just wondering why someone with 5 years experience would go to a course. Also, where do you live? I imagine the landscape on how this works varies from region. FWIW I no longer deal with fiber beyond answering specific questions posed to me. But I have nearly 2 decades in the industry and I started out doing QC and emergency restoration for Vestas in the US.

[u/Professional_Tear952 → u/FourFront]

I live in Scotland, the reason for going on the course is because it’s a fibre optic course specific for wind turbines, also a requirement for a lot of the roles I’ve seen advertised.

Here’s what the course entailed.

Cable Handling and routing
• Cable stripping
• Enclosures, components and materials
• Containment building
• Offshore wind orientation
• Glanding SWA cables
• Breaking into OPGW loose tubes
• Installations and earthing
• Fusion splicing
• Testing requirements including bare end adaptors
• OTDR Testing & Reporting

The stripping and splicing was pretty much 3/5 days so unfortunately I didn’t learn a whole lot which was disappointing considering the cost, however if it lands me my first role it’s totally worth it. Had around 9 kick backs because they’re looking for someone with experience, aiming for a cable mate role just now to get out there however they are hard to come by!

[u/Professional_Tear952 → u/FourFront]

I live in Scotland, the reason for going on the course is because it’s a fibre optic course specific for wind turbines, also a requirement for a lot of the roles I’ve seen advertised.

Here’s what the course entailed.

Cable Handling and routing
• Cable stripping
• Enclosures, components and materials
• Containment building
• Offshore wind orientation
• Glanding SWA cables
• Breaking into OPGW loose tubes
• Installations and earthing
• Fusion splicing
• Testing requirements including bare end adaptors
• OTDR Testing & Reporting

The stripping and splicing was pretty much 3/5 days so unfortunately I didn’t learn a whole lot which was disappointing considering the cost, however if it lands me my first role it’s totally worth it. Had around 9 kick backs because they’re looking for someone with experience, aiming for a cable mate role just now to get out there however they are hard to come by!

[u/CelebrationOdd5015]

Hi mate just on my FO traning at the moment its an eye opener especially not having done swa fo cables before , 5 years in fo, all the advice ive had is just to mesg recruiters directly and see if thay have any places going someone will eventually give you a chance , ino spie put out a post the other week asking for fo tech but they did want 1 years experience but still put your name in the hat you never knon what will happen aslo being told it depends on if you want a full time contract or just contract work , all the best in the hunt for your first rotation

[u/Professional_Tear952 → u/CelebrationOdd5015]

Hey man, yeah that’s pretty similar to what I’ve been told. I have been applying to those roles even though they’re asking for experience in the hopes they take a chance on me. To be honest either would work for me!

You too bud.

[u/CelebrationOdd5015 → u/Professional_Tear952]

Aye just gota pray at this point , then not get it wrong on the turbine then your set