ACTC Offers Fiber Optics Training Classes in October

Reliable, high-speed Internet is coming, and Ashland Community and Technical College is offering classes to help prepare for jobs in the industry.

The KentuckyWired I-Way broadband network project will begin in eastern Kentucky sometime this fall and over the next three years will cover about 3,400 miles across the state. The push for reliable, accessible and affordable high-speed broadband emerged from the SOAR (Shaping Our Appalachian Region) initiative to enhance business growth and job opportunities in Eastern Kentucky.

The dark fiber backbone network will need technicians said Karen Coburn, ACTC Director of Workforce Solutions. We have three certification classes in October to help people prepare for jobs in fiber optics testing, maintenance and repair. These certifications are part of the requirement for employment.

According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of telecommunications equipment installers is expected to grow 15% from 2010 to 2020. In Kentucky, the demand for fiber optic technician training will be met by ACTC and KCTCS colleges in Somerset and Prestonsburg.

Each of the three ACTC classes is recognized by the US Department of Labor and sanctioned by the Fiber Optic Association (FOA).

Classes are held at the Roberts Drive Campus, located at 4700 Roberts Drive in Ashland. Each class will include background information on theory and processes, with most of the class time spent on hands-on training activities. Certification tests will be given and graded on the last day of class.

For more information or to register, email as_workforce@kctcs.edu or call 606-326-2130. To register online, go to ashland.kctcs.edu/Workforce_Solutions[BROKEN LINK].

Technician Course

This three-day Certified Fiber Optics Technician Course (CFOT) introduces industry standards governing FTTD (Fiber To The Desk), FTTH (Fiber To The Home), and Distribution Cabling.

Students learn to identify fiber types, recognize various connectors used in fiber installation, and install, terminate, splice, and properly test installed fiber cables to existing standards. Other topics include industry standards governing FTTD (Fiber ToThe Desk), FTTH (Fiber To The Home), and Distribution Cabling.

The class meets Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 12 to 14, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The $700 fee includes study materials, exam fees, textbook, CD and a one-year membership in the FOA. The FOA memberships include access to job listing website.

Specialist in Testing amp; Maintenance Course

The Certified Fiber Optics Specialist in Testing amp; Maintenance Course (CFOS / T) offers advanced training to those involved with the testing and maintenance of fiber optics networks. Students learn a variety of testing standards, equipment and technological approaches in fiber network testing and splicing.

Topics includes a detailed study of ANSI/TIA/EIA-526-(7)A, OTDR fundamentals and uses, OTDR vs. Insertion Loss Testing, Return Loss Testing, and Attenuation Testing using the power source and light meter.

The class meets Thursday and Friday, Oct. 15 and 16, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The $675 fee includes materials.

Splicing Specialist Course

The Certified Fiber Optics Splicing Specialist Course (CFOS / S) provides training in both fusion and mechanical splicing for either single or multimode fiber optic cables. Particular attention will be given to optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) functions in measuring and testing optical fibers.

Class exercises will include making and testing different types of splices and then correctly and efficiently installing the spliced fibers into splice trays and enclosures.

The class meets Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17 and 18, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The $675 fee includes materials.