The cabling talent shortage: a major hurdle for growth

According to a recent Field Nation poll, the inability to find skilled cabling technicians is the top issue inhibiting growth in the cabling industry. Over 50% of respondents identified the talent shortage as a serious challenge.

Other industry research also highlights the talent crisis. In April 2023, the job openings to hire ratio was 1.6, indicating a high demand for skilled cablers compared to the available workforce. The quit rate also stood at 1.6, further emphasizing the scarcity of qualified professionals. With over 9.9 million vacant jobs and an aging workforce, the industry is grappling with the exodus of experienced workers.

Moreover, declining vocational enrollment during the pandemic has exacerbated the supply shortage. These factors, coupled with the increasing demands of the fiber broadband and telecom industries, highlight the urgent need to address the lack of skilled cablers. The fiber broadband industry alone is expected to build 1.6 million miles of fiber over the next five years, leading to job creation estimates in the hundreds of thousands, according to the Fiber Broadband Association. Similarly, the telecom industry, currently employing approximately 672,000 technicians, requires an additional 250,000 new technicians in the short term to keep up with demand.

While cablers are in short supply, there is positive news for service leaders. Experienced cabling independent contractors on the Field Nation marketplace can help bridge the gap in cabling demand. Contact our team to learn how we can support your cabling needs with our network of skilled professionals.