Broadband fiber optic training available soon

Thursday, October 08, 2009 3:00 AM  |  Printer friendly version | E-mail to a friend | RCCC sets info session Oct. 13

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is offering a new training course on broadband fiber optics.

Individuals who complete the 80-hour accredited course will earn two credentials: the Fiber Optic Association's (FOA) Premise Cabling Technicians and Fiber Optics Technicians certifications.

Rowan-Cabarrus will offer the course Nov. 2-13 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cabarrus Business & Technology Center at 660 Concord Parkway North, Concord.

College officials encourage anyone who is interested in the course to attend an informational session at the center on Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. or 6 to 8 p.m.

The course is available through a partnership of Alliant Personnel Solutions, FOA and the Mike Minter Workforce Development Program and will provide hands-on practice with intensive classroom instruction and employment placement assistance.

Individuals who complete the course will be able to seek entry-level employment in the telecommunications industry.

Skills gained in the course will include: installing secured fiber optic networks; installing physical layers within voice and data networks; connecting metropolitan and wide area networks using fiber optic cable; replacing copper wiring with fiber optic networks for better speed and data capabilities and reliability; installing security systems using broadband technology; and working with construction/utility and communications companies installing fiber optics in commercial and federal buildings, roadways and power lines.

Prospective students must have a high school diploma or GED. Individuals who qualify under the Work Investment Act can take the course at no cost.

The course fee is $2,500, plus about $400 for tools. Prospective students will learn at the Oct. 13 sessions how they may be able to become WIA qualified.

For more information, contact Donna Ludwig at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College at 704-216-3668 or ludwigd@rowancabarrus.edu. The number for the Cabarrus Business & Technology Center is 704-216-3598.