PLAN No. 1230. INSTALLATION SECTION—PLANT DEPARTMENT
Installation and removal of telephones and private-branch exchanges is the work of this section. There is constant demand for new stations and for shifting about old ones, which provides work for a large number of men. For this work little experience is necessary. A helper may become proficient in a few days and may soon be competent to install instruments without supervision. The work may be graded in such a way that an ambitious man may advance to more responsible and remunerative positions, such as switchboard installing and testing.
One possibility for those who like installation work is the position of private-branch exchange installer. His work consists in the installation of complete private-branch exchanges in factories, stores, public buildings, and elsewhere. He must supervise the running of all necessary wires and cables in buildings, setting of switchboards, connecting instruments, and making final tests to insure correctness of installation. Much time is spent out of doors traveling between jobs. The remainder is spent in buildings in which installations are made. A beginner may receive from $40 to $70, and a foreman from $75 to $110 per month. This work can be handled by a man who has only minor disablements and who has full use of his hands. Such training as is necessary will usually be given to him by the company which employs him. However, as with other electrical vocations, a short preliminary theoretical course will be of considerable value.