For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: October 23, 2018
Fiber optic training making an IMPACT
Fennimore -Southwest Tech is at the forefront when it comes to technical certification training, thanks to a $1.25 million IMPACT grant. The four-year grant, which will be completed June 30, 2020, was provided through the U.S. Department of Labor, with the goal of increasing course offerings in areas of in-demand, high tech jobs, and allowing for critical hands-on training.
Included in the course offerings is the Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT) class, which is currently in session. The class is being taught by Stephen Goss, instrumentation and controls technology instructor. “This course will introduce the learner to the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities required to install and configure fiber optic networking infrastructure in an industrial plant setting,” he said. “Major topics of study include using light to transmit information, fiber types, fiber preparation, fiber termination, fiber splicing, fiber inspection and testing, and safety issues and procedures unique to the fiber optic industry. Learners will practice the skills necessary to select, install, terminate, splice, inspect, and test fiber optical cables to EIA/TIA standards using industry standard tools and procedures. This course is a recommended preparation activity for those interested in pursuing the Fiber Optics Association (FOA) Certified Fiber Optic Technician written and hands-on certification exam.”
There are various options for the 24-hour class, including Fridays in October, an October through December class and a January class.
Raife Ambort, from Potosi, Wisconsin, a student in the Network Specialist Program at Southwest Tech, is one of the students currently enrolled in the CFOT class. “I really like, actually, getting to work with the cables,” he said. “A lot of the stuff is online any more. This is actually, physically in your hands. It really helps the whole learning process and the teachers are top notch.”
During the next two years, Southwest Tech will provide technical certifications in fiber optics, broadband technologies, and industrial networking in order to meet local demands. Southwest Tech is the only public access certified FOA school in Wisconsin.
Southwest Tech also offers on-site training, with its mobile trailer. The college also provides FOA and Certified Premises Cabling Technician (CPCT) certification training. Certified Fiber Optic Specialist – Outside plant (CFOS/O) training will be available next spring.
For more information about the TechHire offerings, visit www.swtc.edu/tech.