By Alex Sorrells / Jambar Contributor
Internet access is increasing across northeast Ohio, with Youngstown State University chosen to lead workforce development in 5G and broadband technologies across 18 counties.
STEM Workforce Education and Innovation is partnering with the Fiber Broadband Association to bring fiber optic technician training to YSU through the Optical Telecom Installer Certification program.
Chris Riedel, networking and telecommunications manager, said the program includes a credential for 5G readiness and Occupational Safety and Health Administration 10-hour training.
“We are all part of an initiative the state of Ohio is putting on to increase connectivity throughout the state,” Riedel said. “We are all part of a state-sector partnership, and the goal is to get internet connectivity throughout the state, but really focusing on rural and underserved communities.”
The program lasts six weeks, and applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED. Riedel said the first cohort began March 24 with a maximum of 10 participants to create a personalized experience.
“It’s like a bootcamp style, so it’s Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. We do have the capability, with the curriculum, to tailor it depending on employer needs [and] community needs,” Riedel said.
Saarib Sheikh, networking and telecommunication instructor, said fiber optic technicians are needed in a variety of fields, including telecommunication, military communication, medical imaging and healthcare.
“Fiber optic cables are thin strands of glass and plastic,” Sheikh said. “They transmit the data through light signals instead of electricity. Apart from that, they are very high-speed data cables, and they are high-capacity communication networks as compared to traditional copper cables.”
Fiber optic technicians ensure cables are operating properly by performing repairs and installations as needed.
“[The job involves] installing, maintaining and repairing a fiber optic cable. They are responsible for splicing the fiber cable, inspecting the connector and testing the network requirements,” Sheikh said.
The curriculum, provided by the FBA, supplies students with firsthand experiences on top of traditional in-class instruction.
“They will be doing the hands-on training by splicing the fiber, stripping the fiber cables [and] inspecting the connectors. Apart from that, they will also be doing the loss testing and power measurement,” Sheikh said. “They will be working with actual, real fiber optic cables and testing equipment.”
Riedel said the statewide initiative will allow those who are unable to receive high-speed internet, or internet in general, to benefit from the uptick in fiber optic technicians.
“It will benefit the Youngstown area because it is a rural area. There’s not a lot of connectivity that we see. There’s a lot of open space,” Riedel said. “They want the entire state to be covered so that you can be anywhere and be able to connect onto the internet.”
Sheikh said pursuing a career as a fiber optic technician has many benefits, as the industry is constantly growing.
“They will [have] strong job security and they will have the competitive salaries,” Sheikh said. “They will also have the opportunity for advancement in their careers, so they can advance and upgrade themselves according to the growing needs of the fiber optic technology.”
Sheikh said anyone interested should apply, as technicians will be valuable for the foreseeable future. To receive more information, contact workforce@ysu.edu.
