Community colleges offer courses, training in fiber optics

Grayson Everett

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April 24, 2023

In demand, no-cost, rapid training — is starting this week on 24 campuses across the state.

That’s the message Alabama’s Community College System wants to get across to students and job-seekers alike.

Salaries and demand for fiber optic technicians and installers are on the rise. Thanks to funding from the Alabama Legislature, the Skills for Success program is working to get them qualified.

The training can be completed quickly because part of the course is done online with interactive learning that is self-paced. Upon completing the online portion of the course, trainees then complete two days of hands-on training with qualified instructors at any of the 24 community and technical colleges around the state.

Salaries for fiber technicians have increased by 12 percent in the past five years and demand for these professionals is expected to increase by eight percent by the year 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Participants who complete the training also earn an ACCS Credential, which signals to businesses that the individual has mastered the skills taught in the program and is immediately ready for employment.

The ACCS Credential can also be used as a foundation for additional classes and training at Alabama community colleges.

(Alabama Community College System/Contributed)

“Today’s communication networks depend on fiber optic connectivity, so the demand for a skilled fiber optic workforce is critical and growing,” said Jimmy H. Baker, chancellor of the Alabama Community College System.

Those interested in learning more and signing up for the training can go online at innovation.accs.edu

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270 for coverage of the 2023 legislative session.