Technicians Needed for KentuckyWired
The Workforce Solutions department at Somerset Community College (SCC) is now offering Fiber Optics Certification training. This training supports the high demand for certified fiber optics technicians in Eastern Kentucky to implement the KentuckyWired, I-Way broadband network initiative and the SOAR (Shaping Our Appalachian Region) initiative.
The need for trained Certified Fiber Optics Technicians has grown exponentially over the past five years throughout the US - especially in Kentucky, said Bob Ballard, the CEO of BDI DataLynk, LLC. Not only has the demand for high speed broadband increased, but also the need for a reliable and secure method of transporting this data has become absolutely necessary, Ballard said. Four KCTCS Colleges have partnered with BDI DataLynk, LLC to bring Fiber Optics Technician courses to our state.
“We are proud that the Governor of Kentucky, Steve Beshear, recognizes our partnership with these campuses and the fiber optics training solutions we provide,” said Ballard.
Currently, Kentucky ranks 46th in broadband availability and 23 percent of rural areas in Kentucky do not have access to broadband. BDI Datalynk, LLC will head up the fiber optics technician training at selected college campuses throughout the state. Fiber optic communications is the top priority for communities in the 21st century. It powers the future economy and brings economic development to those communities which recognize its importance, said Ballard.
The training program at SCC is set to begin on October 26, 2015. Sanctioned by the Fiber-Optics Association (FOA), SCC will offer a trio of certifications taught by BDI DataLynk LLC, an internationally recognized fiber-optic training company based in Austin, Texas.
The certifications include:
• Certified Fiber Optics Technician (CFOT) (24 hours, three days)
• Certified Fiber Optics Specialist in Testing and Maintenance (CFOS/T) (16 hours, two days)
• Certified Fiber Optics Specialist in Splicing (CFOS/S) (16 hours, two days)
Descriptions of the certification courses:
Certified Fiber Optics Technician (CFOT)
This three-day Basic Certified Fiber Optics Technician Course explores the theory and history of fiber optics data transmission and is designed for anyone that would like to become certified in the basic installation, troubleshooting and testing techniques of installed fiber optics networks as required per industry standards. Certification exams (both written and hands-on) are administered and graded at no additional cost at the end of the session. This program includes 85 percent hands-on activities by allowing the student to build and test his or her own fiber optics network. This course is sanctioned by the Fiber Optic Association (FOA).
Certified Fiber Optics Specialist in Testing & Maintenance (CFOS/T)
A focal point in this two-day program is to offer a general, easy to understand, approach to fiber optics testing standards with little theory and considerable hands-on activities. This comprehensive program explains the variety of testing standards, equipment and technological approaches used in fiber network testing and maintenance. This 85 percent hands-on course includes a detailed study of fiber network testing and troubleshooting procedures, OTDR fundamentals and uses, OTDR versus Insertion Loss Testing, Return Loss Testing and Attenuation testing using the Power Source and Light Meter. Certification exams (both written and hands-on) are administered and graded at no additional cost at the end of the session. This course is sanctioned by the Fiber Optic Association (FOA).
Certified Fiber optics Specialist in Splicing (CFOS/S)
This two-day splicing specialist training includes a presentation explaining the importance of high performance splicing and details the points necessary to achieve splices. The depth of this presentation is greater than most textbooks and provides background information about splicing. An overview of OTDR functions and trace understanding is also provided during this presentation. The 95 percent hands-on classroom activities will provide training in both fusion and mechanical splicing of single mode fiber optic cables. The student will be responsible for successfully making and testing fiber optic mechanical and fusion splices. In addition to the basic splicing activities outlined above, the student will also be required to correctly and efficiently install spliced fibers into splice trays and trays into enclosures. The student will be required to achieve a splice loss of less than 0.15 dB for all splices and demonstrate proficiency in interpretation of splice loss using OTDR splice traces during troubleshooting and repair session. This course is sanctioned by the Fiber Optic Association (FOA).
For more information, or to enroll, contact Valerie Hogan at 606-451-6797 or to register online, visit our website at http://ws.kctcs.edu/somerset/category/category.aspx?C=&S=25