SCTE (the Society of Telecommunication Engineers) has launched a pair of trainings aimed at increasing the fiber deployment workforce.
The new Fiber-Optic Cable Blowing Microcredential and Proactive Network Maintenance (PNM) course series are designed to ensure that technicians have validated fiber installation skills and standards-based network troubleshooting training.
According to SCTE, the fiber microcredentials are industry-recognized credentials, not basic certificates of completion. SCTE noted that the skills the courses will teach are in high demand because the global broadband market is projected to surpass $1 trillion by 2034.
The Fiber-Optic Cable Blowing Microcredential is scheduled to be the initial program in a series of focused SCTE microcredentials. Each microcredential is designed to validate essential broadband workforce skills and will help provide technicians with consistent, industry-validated benchmark for workforce readiness.
The SCTE announcement noted that, “Fiber blowing is a widely used method for underground fiber installation, and the global cable blowing equipment market is projected to grow roughly 5-7% annually through the end of the decade.”
The PNM course series will focus on practical outside plant troubleshooting. The course was designed to provide technicians with the skills to identify and resolve network issues before they impact customers.
“SCTE has always been where the industry comes together to define what good performance looks like,” said Cory Pavicich, head of product for professional learning at SCTE, in a prepared statement about the fiber trainings. “That is as true for our credentials and training as it is for our standards. The Education Advisory Council deepens that commitment by keeping the people closest to the work at the center of what we build.”
Last year, SCTE and Colorado State University Global (CSU Global) launched a new workforce training program for the broadband industry. Under the umbrella of CSU Global’s new Broadband Operations Management Certificate, the program was being touted as the first asynchronous program for broadband training.
