The course aims to expand access to free technical skills training to prepare learners for jobs in tech<\/i><\/p>\n
Bethlehem, PA\u00a0<\/strong>\u2014 Northampton Community College (NCC) is continuing to empower Pennsylvania\u2019s economy through skilled workforce development. Northampton Community College (NCC) recently hosted a Fiber Optic Fusion Splicing Certificate Course, a two-day training event held November 17\u201318 in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Sumitomo Electric Lightwave. The course provided participants with hands-on instruction in advanced fiber optic installation and repair, culminating in an industry-recognized Fusion Splicing Certificate. Thirty-nine individuals completed the program, gaining in-demand technical skills that prepare them for careers in the growing field of fiber optics.<\/p>\n The free training\u2014led by experts from Sumitomo Electric Lightwave\u2014introduced learners to state-of-the-art tools, safety standards, and fiber optic technologies used in global telecommunications and data infrastructure. The event also featured a career networking session, connecting students directly with employers in the fiber optics and construction trades industries.<\/p>\n Building Pennsylvania\u2019s Workforce for a Data-Driven Economy<\/strong><\/p>\n This initiative is part of the larger ADVANCEPA Technology & Trades Workforce Consortium, a collaborative effort among Northampton, Bucks County, Lehigh Carbon, and Luzerne Community Colleges. The consortium was formed to meet the urgent workforce needs driven by Amazon\u2019s $20 billion investment in cloud computing and AI data centers across Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n As demand rises for specialists in construction, electrical systems, HVAC, and fiber optics, NCC is leading efforts to expand access to high-quality technical training that directly supports the state\u2019s growing digital infrastructure. Through programs like the Fusion Splicing Course, NCC is creating pathways from classroom learning to high-wage, high-skill employment, positioning Pennsylvania as a national leader in technology trades education.<\/p>\n \u201cAWS has long believed in the power of skills training and its positive, long-term impact on our employees, customers, partners, and communities,\u201d said Roger Wehner, Director of Economic Development for AWS. \u201cThrough the AWS Fusion Splicing Course, we\u2019re thrilled to help open new opportunities and career pathways for participants. Technicians skilled in installing and repairing fiber optics will be prepared to perform the critical jobs building the infrastructure needed to wire the country for the digital world.\u201d<\/p>\n Connecting Students to Opportunity<\/strong><\/p>\n Through this collaboration, NCC, AWS, and Sumitomo Electric Lightwave brought free, accessible technical education to the Lehigh Valley\u2014open to anyone interested in entering the fiber optics industry.<\/p>\n \u201cBy working collaboratively to understand industry needs, we\u2019re creating opportunities for students to power our community. Most of the jobs required to maintain the infrastructure that is coming to this part of PA will be with local companies. Together, we\u2019re building a workforce ready to thrive in several areas, including fiber optics and telecommunications, construction and skill trades, power and energy, and more,\u201d said Dave Ruth, president of Northampton Community College.<\/p>\n Certified graduates left the program ready to apply their new skills in the field and were connected with potential employers during an on-site networking event that included Dycom Industries, Inc. (Ervin Cable Construction),\u00a0AWS Metro Fiber, Next Mile Tech (Celerity Integrated Services),\u00a0The Fiber School, Lambert’s Cable Splicing, and LightPath Technologies. County Executive, Lamont McClure also attended to show support for workforce development and economic innovation in the Lehigh Valley.<\/p>\n \u201cNCC is a place where innovation starts. This college is so forward thinking when it comes to classes, programs, and certificates, like this one, that really do provide an engine for our local economy,” said McClure.<\/p>\n Fiber Optics: Powering the Modern Economy<\/strong><\/p>\n Fiber optic installation and repair is a vital and sought-after skill in a world more reliant on the constant and powerful flow of data. Fiber optic cables are the backbone of the modern world, carrying internet, TV, and telephone data, which makes repairing and testing them specialized work. Just this year, Amazon announced Future Ready 2030, expanding the company\u2019s skills training goal to prepare 50 million people for the future of work.<\/p>\n To learn more about the AWS Fusion Splicing program, visit\u00a0AWS Fusion Splicing Certificate website<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The course aims to expand access to free technical skills training to prepare learners for jobs in tech Bethlehem, PA\u00a0\u2014 Northampton Community College (NCC) is continuing to empower Pennsylvania\u2019s economy … Continue reading Amazon Web Services, Northampton Community College and Sumitomo Electric Lightwave Collaborate on Fiber Optic Fusion Splicing Certification Course<\/span>