Northampton Community College (NCC) hosted a Fiber Optic Fusion Splicing Certificate Course.

The two-day training event Nov. 17 and 18 was a 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 persons completed the program, gaining in-demand technical skills for careers in the field of fiber optics.

Fiber-optic installation and repair is a vital and sought-after skill. Fiber optic cables carry internet, TV and telephone data.

In the collaboration, NCC, AWS and Sumitomo Electric Lightwave brought free technical education to the Lehigh Valley, open to anyone interested in fiber optics.

The training, led by experts from Sumitomo Electric Lightwave, introduced learners to state-of-the-art tools, safety standards and fiber optic technologies used in global telecommunications and data infrastructure.

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 supports the state’s digital infrastructure.

“By working collaboratively to understand industry needs, we’re creating opportunities for students to power our community,” said Dr. David Ruth, president of Northampton Community College.

“Most of the jobs required to maintain the infrastructure that is coming to this part of Pennsylvania will be with local companies,” Ruth said.

“Together, we’re building a workforce ready to thrive in several areas, including fiber optics and telecommunications, construction and skill trades, power and energy, and more,” said Ruth.

Certified graduates left the program ready to apply their new skills in the field and were connected with potential employers during on-site networking that included Dycom Industries, Inc. (Ervin Cable Construction), AWS Metro Fiber, Next Mile Tech (Celerity Integrated Services), The Fiber School, Lambert’s Cable Splicing, and LightPath Technologies.

“NCC 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 Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure, who attended the event.

The initiative is part of the Advance PA Technology & Trades Workforce Consortium, a collaborative effort of Northampton, Bucks County, Lehigh Carbon and Luzerne community colleges.

The consortium was formed to meet workforce needs of Amazon’s $20-billion investment in cloud computing and AI data centers in Pennsylvania.

“AWS has long believed in the power of skills training and its positive, long-term impact on our employees, customers, partners and communities,” said Roger Wehner, Director of Economic Development for AWS.

“Through the AWS Fusion Splicing Course, we’re 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,” Wehner said.

In 2025, Amazon announced Future Ready 2030, expanding the company’s skills training goal to prepare 50 million persons.

Information:

https://aws.amazon.com/government-education/workforce-development/aws-fiber-optic-fusion-splicing/