When a longtime electrician signed up for Westchester Community College’s (WCC’s) fiber optics certification program this summer, he was ready for a career shift. He said this course would hopefully help him launch his own fiber installation business specializing in data centers, an industry that is rapidly expanding in the region.
Stories like his are becoming more common, says Jim Irvine, WCC’s director of corporate education. “We’ve seen strong interest from people already in the field, but also from those who are pivoting from trades like electrical work,” Irvine explains. “There’s no shortage of demand, and employers want certified technicians.”
This fall, WCC will offer three nationally recognized certifications through the Fiber Optic Association (FOA). The summer session just wrapped up, but another program will run November 17–21 at the college’s Valhalla campus.
Students interested in the courses should be able to see and identify small items and must be able to speak and read English. Beyond that, most of the skills can be taught to those who are eager to learn, solve problems, and work with their hands.
Three ways to get certified
The fiber optics training week is designed so students can complete multiple certifications in just five days. With an emphasis on hands-on training, the courses allow students to practice with the same equipment and techniques they’ll encounter in the field.
There are three course options that people can take depending on interest and specialization:
- Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT): A 2.5-day introduction covering installation, splicing, testing, and troubleshooting. Students will also explore the history and future of fiber optics and learn basic testing and troubleshooting. This course is a prerequisite for the next two.
- Certified Fiber Optic Specialist in Testing & Maintenance (CFOS/T): Training in professional testing standards and use of tools like OTDRs and power meters. It also offers a general approach to fiber optics testing standards with hands-on activities and explains the variety of testing standards, equipment, and technological approaches used in fiber network testing and splicing.
- Certified Fiber Optic Specialist in Splicing (CFOS/S): A deep dive into fusion and mechanical splicing techniques using industry-standard equipment. This course allows students to use both inside and outside plant fiber optic cable types along with inside and outside plant enclosures and splice trays.
Why fiber optics?
Fiber optics is the technology of transmitting data as light through thin glass or plastic strands. It powers broadband internet, office networks, and a growing number of data centers across the region. Compared with copper wiring, fiber is faster, more reliable, and better equipped to handle ever-growing digital demand.
That demand translates into opportunity. Many technicians work for telecom giants such as Verizon or Optimum, or for the many subcontractors that install and maintain fiber throughout Westchester and the region. Jobs range from wiring suburban homes to upgrading office buildings and building out data centers.
Last year, fiber reached 76.5 million U.S. homes, a 13% increase, according to the Fiber Broadband Association. Nearly half of households with access are now signing up, and adoption is happening faster than before. With support from private investment and government programs, the push to expand fiber is expected to keep growing and offer more jobs in the coming years.
A short program with a big payoff
For Irvine, who has managed workforce programs for more than 20 years, WCC’s fiber optics training stands out.
“This is probably the shortest and biggest bang-for-your-buck program I’ve seen,” he says. “In one week, you can earn certifications that are nationally recognized and immediately marketable.”
The one-week program runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. The cost for the course is $1,245, which includes study materials, exam fees, and a textbook.
Next Steps
For more information or to register, contact Jim Irvine at james.irvine@sunywcc.edu or visit WCC’s website.
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