Fiber optics serves as the backbone of modern technology, supporting and transmitting large amounts of data like never before. From high-speed internet to medical imaging, the use of fiber optics is becoming more and more widespread.
According to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Virginia is rapidly emerging as a technology capital with the largest data center market in the world. To support this growth, fiber optic technicians are in very high demand across different tech-related industries. Skilled and experienced technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing fiber optic cables and related equipment.
Through the FastForward fiber optics program, students receive hands-on training from seasoned professionals. Discover how three Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) students jumpstarted their careers in fiber optics through the FastForward program, and how it set them up for long-term success.
A New Opportunity
Last year, NOVA launched a specialized Fiber Optics program – joining other Virginia Community Colleges like Germanna, Laurel Ridge, Southwest Virginia and Laurel Ridge as being among the first to offer this specialized program in the Commonwealth.
“One thing that surprised me was that there wasn’t an education for this before. People that have done data centers are people that came from the military. NOVA just approved this program for people to get an education and get a degree for this,” said Perla Certo, a student in the Fiber Optics program at NOVA.
A Hands-On Experience
The Fiber Optics program allows students to receive hands-on experience with fiber, data infrastructure and more, making them prepared to enter the industry full-time.
“We have to actually cut the fiber and make sure it’s all set up, so it’s very key to make sure it actually runs smoothly,” said Matt White, NOVA Fiber Optics student. “So many other industries need fiber nowadays because fiber is one of the best wiring mechanisms, so getting your foot into fiber means that you can get into engineering professions.”
A World Necessity
The data infrastructure industry has changed significantly in the past five years. And the FastForward Fiber Optics program accounts for the changing landscape so students are always at the forefront of the changing technology.
“Learning about the technology, not only do I get to understand what I’m using daily but also just how the universe in general works. Especially in this area, there’s a lot of data centers, so they’re always looking to hire, so if you can get into that industry, you’re almost always guaranteed to get a job somewhere,” said Nessa, a Fiber Optics student at NOVA Community College.
If you’re interested in joining Virginia’s data infrastructure industry, contact your career coach today.