WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE OFFERS CLASSES IN GROWING FIBER OPTICS FIELD

Westchester Community College’s Division of Continuing Education, in association with BDI Datalynk, is bringing Certified Fiber Optics Technician training to Westchester County. A series of training sessions will be held in September on the college’s Valhalla campus.

Fiber optics technology makes use of optical fiber, a glass or plastic fiber designed to guide light along its length. While the light-conducting uses of these fibers were discovered in the late 1800s, its use has steadily gained popularity since then in many areas not even considered at that time. From telecommunications to medical care, fiber optics technology has made its way into our modern world with uses ranging from telephone and computer communications to heat sensors and lighting fixtures. The uses for fiber optics continue to expand.

Along with these technological advances comes the need for trained technicians to build, test, and maintain fiber optic cabling and networks. This is the need that the college and BDI Datalynk seek to fill.

The training series will begin with a first course for individuals desiring to become Certified Fiber Optics Technicians (CFOT). This three-day course will be held September 21-23. The certification exam will be given on the final class days. The course fee is $700, which includes all course materials and books. Basic computer knowledge required.

The second, more advanced course will be a two-day program for individuals wishing to become a Certified Fiber Optics Specialist in Testing and Maintenance (CFOS/T). This course will be held September 24-25. This course is $675. Individuals enrolling should have already completed the CFOT course or other formal fiber optics training within the previous six months, or have at least one year of fiber optics-related experience.

A third course, Certified Fiber Optics Specialist in Splicing (CFOS/S) is planned for September 26 and 27.

For more information, visit www.sunywcc.edu/ce or contact Continuing Education at 914-606-6830 press 1 or email communityservices@sunywcc.edu. To register, call 512-785-9024 or go to www.bdidatalynk.com for more information about fiber optics training.