The constantly changing and expanding world of telecommunications has created an increasing demand for network cabling specialists. And with a minimal amount of training, a person can get into the field.

More information Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES Career Resource Center 5253 Parkside Drive Canandaigua, N.Y. 14425 (800) 527-1765

The move into fiber optic cabling is helping to fuel the growth in the industry as companies modernize and expand the electronic pipeline that reaches homes for not only cable television, but Internet connections as well. Workers are needed to maintain existing phone and cable systems as well.

The Wayne-Finger Lakes Board of Cooperative Educational Services offers a course in "cable specialist training" which provide basic skills needed to get started in this field through two sessions.

The first is a 30-hour class called "Intro to Networking, The Physical Layer," in which students learn to install and test copper-based cabling systems in a live environment as well as mastering skills for working with Unshielded and Shielded Twisted Pair cabling, IBM Cabling System and Coax.

The second class is an intro to fiber optics which is half theory and half hands-on training. Students learn concepts in fiber optics in addition to system components, how to test and install fiber connectors and troubleshooting and repair.

Those who finish the class and pass a test are certified by Lucent Technologies and C-Tech Associates, considered an excellent addition to a job candidate's resume.

There are a variety of places where work can be found including electrical contractors, security and alarm companies, computer repair firms, data/voice/ video installers and utility companies.

Andrew Montanaro, co-owner of Matrix Communications, a cable and wire installation firm with branches in Rochester and throughout New York state, says there was a shortage of qualified candidates in the past, but new programs such as those at Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES and Monroe Community College have increased the pool of specialists.

Even with this increase, he says, "there will be a significant demand for at least the next five to 10 years," especially as there is more integration between phone and cable systems. And currently, "All the good people (in the field) are working," he adds, noting that companies do their best not to lose their top people to competitors, exemplifying this demand.

Montanaro estimates the starting salary for an entry-level cabling specialist in the upstate area to be $10 per hour.