The Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) has expanded its Optical Telecom Installer Certification (OpTIC Path) program to additional schools and states across the U.S. The program aims to address the projected need for 180,000 fiber broadband technicians over the next decade, driven by the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. Schools recently joining the initiative include Southside Virginia Community College, Morrison Institute of Technology in Illinois, University of Arkansas Hope Texarkana, Mississippi Delta Community College Caps Center, and Tennessee’s Bledsoe County School District. The program provides hands-on fiber optic training, equipping students with in-demand skills to support the growth of high-speed broadband networks, especially in rural areas.
The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) has also expanded its support, integrating the OpTIC Path curriculum into its Telecommunications Education Center offerings. FBA currently collaborates with 40 states and territories, 44 service providers, and 70 educational institutions to deliver the program. Graduates can enter the workforce directly, helping states like Tennessee, which received $813 million in BEAD funding, deploy essential broadband infrastructure. Employers are increasingly integrating OpTIC Path into workforce development strategies for both new hires and existing staff.
- FBA expands OpTIC Path fiber technician training to more schools and states.
- The program supports a projected need for 180,000 broadband workers over the next decade.
- Recent schools joining include Southside Virginia Community College and Bledsoe County School District.
- Wireless Infrastructure Association adds OpTIC Path to its training center curriculum.
- Tennessee received $813 million in BEAD funding for broadband expansion projects.
“The future of fiber is now. We must begin training the next generation of fiber technicians today to build successful fiber networks tomorrow,” said Deborah Kish, Vice President of Research and Workforce Development at FBA.
