Tools and test equipment are rendered
useless unless they are
placed in the hands of a skilled
technician. Whether building or
maintaining a fiber optic network, if the
system is not properly designed, installed
and tested, then future consequences to
the long term survivability and quality of
a network are eminent. Proper training in
design, installation and maintenance of
fiber optic networks improves productivity
during the construction process and ensures
when outages occur, the root cause
will be identified and repaired in a timely
fashion. Proper training also helps prevent
manmade outages in fiber networks,
which according to many studies in network
reliability, is one of the leading
causes of network failures. These outages
can be caused by poor design, improper
handling, poor processes, and improper
rearrangement of fiber plant facilities.
A fiber optic network is typically very
robust and reliable, sustaining an enormous
amount of stress and damage caused
by environmental factors like storms, vehicle
damage, and inadvertent dig ups.
However, networks will either work or
shut down, and most of the time no warning
is given until a catastrophic outage occurs.
With the deployment of fiber into
many applications like Fiber-To-The-
Home/Curb FTTX), Gigabit Ethernet and
IP video systems, modern fiber optic systems
are becoming more complex with
more interconnection points and higher
skill levels are required to design, install
and maintain fiber optic networks properly.
To achieve this required skill level,
the use of Fiber Optic Technical Training
programs not only help close the skill gap,
but also expose the designer and technician
to new technology, new methods and
new test equipment being deployed today.
As more companies use fiber technology
in non-traditional applications, the demand
for skilled fiber optic technicians is
increasing and qualified personnel are
more difficult to find. Fiber Optic Technical
Training is a means to help close this
gap in resources.
A number of resources for Fiber Optic Training Programs are available. Some are sponsored by equipment manufacturers, distributors and even independent training companies. They provide various training classes and programs for all types of needs. From fiber optic system design including codes and standards, to installation of outside plant or inside plant facilities, these programs are detailed and provide documentation to support thetechnician after the class. The key to a good technical training program is to have a balance of theory, application, skill labs and future reference material and resources. Without this balance, either the practical skills needed or theoretical skills required will be lacking and the payback won’t be realized because the technician did not benefit from the training.
To determine what training programs are the most effective, look for programs that have independent certifications or recognize credit hours from the training program. These training programs should list organizations like the Building Industry Consulting Services International (BICSI), the Fiber Optics Association (FOA) and Electronics Technicians Association (ETA) as recognizing their training program and providing either credit hours towards these certifications or the opportunity to take a certification exam, such as the Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT) exam. These designations mean that such a training program has been independently reviewed by the accrediting organization and meets the minimum requirements. Another item to investigate is the qualification of the instructor. The most effective instructors are individuals that not only know the theoretical material, but also have actually designed, installed and maintained fiber networks. Instructors should be proficient in theory and hands-on skills. With field experience in the area being taught, instructors can convey information to students from a “been there” perspective and the material will be presented more effectively.
With fiber being deployed in many new
industries and new technologies of fiber
optics being developed, it becomes increasingly
important to include technical
training as a need just as someone would
purchase installation and test equipment.
The costs of such programs are relatively
low compared to the payback in increased
productivity, higher network reliability
and faster repair. Technical training pays
for itself typically in a matter of months.
For more information, visit
www.AFLtele.com.
About the Author: Patrick E. Dobbins is
CFOT/Instructor as well as Manager -
Training and Contractor Certification at
AFL Telecommunications.
