From Beaufort County Community College

The days of copper wire within the communications industry are coming to an end. Today, modern telephone, cable television and Internet data are carried through fiber optics systems, and a new program at Beaufort County Community College is aimed at training technicians to install these high-tech systems.

The certified fiber optics technician program is offered by BCCC’s Continuing Education division in partnership with BDI DataLynk LLC and consists of three courses: a certified fiber optics technical course, a certified fiber optics splicing specialist course and a certified fiber optics specialist in testing and maintenance course. The three courses will be offered in succession over a one-week period beginning Sept. 14.

“These courses are designed for anyone interested in becoming a certified fiber optics technician,” says Justin Rose, director of Occupational Extension.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2011, the median salary for a fiber optics technician working in the United States was $51,720 or $24.87 an hour. More and more of the country’s communication infrastructure is being changed over to fiber optics, and technicians are in demand. Construction is currently in progress on a Google project to bring fiber optics-based high-speed Internet to the Triangle area.

“With Google Inc. working alongside the city of Raleigh to install fiber optic cable, it is an exciting time to be involved in the endeavor to provide high-speed internet service to all of North Carolina,” adds Rose. “The News and Observer reports that as a result of this project, there will be a need for Certified Fiber Optic Technicians to help install fiber optic cable in cities including Raleigh, Durham, Carrboro, Cary, Chapel Hill, Garner and Morrisville.”

For more information regarding this program, contact Rose at 252-940-6262 or Justin.Rose@BeaufortCCC.edu.