ACTC Offers New Fiber Optic Training

Ashland Community and Technical College is now a Fiber Optic Association (FAO) approved school and will be offering three certification classes to help people prepare for jobs in fiber optics testing, maintenance and repair

The state of Kentucky will be installing what they call a dark fiber backbone network of high speed internet connections throughout the state beginning this fall, said Karen Coburn, ACTC Director of Workforce Solutions. 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.

The hands-on courses will be offered in fall at the Roberts Drive Campus, located at 4700 Roberts Drive in Ashland. All courses meet from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and a certification exam will be given on the last day of class.

The Certified Fiber Optics Technician Course (CFOT) teaches students to effectively and efficiently install, terminate, splice and test multimode fiber optic networks to existing standards. The $700 fee includes study materials, exam fees, textbook, CD and a one-year membership in the FOA.

The Certified Fiber Optics Specialist in Testing amp; Maintenance Course (CFOS/T) course prepares students to effectively and efficiently identify fiber network defects and provide Quality Assurance procedures to minimize or eliminate future network outages. Students must have passed the basic CFOT course, or be CFOT certified, to take this course. The $675 fee includes materials.

This Certified Fiber Optics Specialist/Splicing Course (CFOS/S provides training in both fusion and mechanical splicing of either single or multimode fiber optic cables. Students must have passed the basic CFOT and CFOS-T courses, or be certified in those area, to take this course.The $675 fee includes materials.

The courses are recognized by Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI) for Continuing Education Credit in Information Technology Systems. For more information, email as_workforce@kctcs.edu or call 606-326-2130. Register online at: ashland.kctcs.edu/Workforce_Solutions.