sundance-communications.com/forum Forums General General Telephone & Systems Information Training

I'm a cabling tech who has been trying for quite a long time to break into phone system installations. Can anyone recommend the best way to go about this? Perhaps schools, companies, so forth. Most of the companies I've worked for have specialized in cabling only. Any help would be appreciated. I'm in the Dallas, TX area.

Try to hook up with a company that installs systems. You might be able to make a deal.

Thanks for the reply.

MooreTel has it right.

I started with one campany, which got me Mitel certified, and after working off the obligation, went to another company which offered me training on NEC but collapsed first. Instead, I wound up at a third co., which, in return for a commitment, led to certification in NEC IPX 2400, NEC IPS 2000, IPS 2000 CCIS, and IPS 2000 CCIS over IP.

I will add -- make sure that it's a company you can stand to work for during the obligation period.

(Technically, in some states, the commitment may not be a legal obligation, but it is a moral obligation. Right-to-work states permit a person to work in any capacity for which he is qualified and able, and disregard non-compete contracts or training obligation contracts -- see a lawyer if you're unsure).

thanks for the advice guys.

I was fortunate. I started just as you, a cable tech. looking to get into more than just cables..
Best advice I can give is to look for a company that does cabling and more - like phone systems. Once hired, try to work with and assist the phone system guys.
Also, there are a ton of free courses online including wikipedia which will definitely give you an overview of phone systems and how they work.

Isn't the one side of NEC in Dallas. But, I am sure you wouldn't want to pay for the class yourself.

NEC training center is in TX and they do provide end user training. I recall one of my class mates being and end user and stating the class was about $1200 which was the CCIS class. I would recommend buying a panasonic tda/tde off ebay and getting the install and programming manuals. I recommend panasonic because of the ease and low cost you would invest. I can point you towards the manuals and you could probably pick one up fairly inexpansivly on ebay.

Thanks for the info. I did need those numbers so that I could save up.

Cabletek,

Do you have any formal eduction? Have you earned at least an AAS or higher degree? If I stood you in a line with other cable technicians what would make you stand out? Have you sought Cisco certification? Nortel? These questions aren't meant to disrespect you. I used to ask them of my cable installers when they came in my office and wanting to move up.