SFCC fiber optic training strengthens state’s broadband workforce

There’s a buzz among the more than 500 people across New Mexico who have completed SFCC’s five-day fiber optic workforce training. Participants range from recent high school graduates to seasoned telecommunications professionals, all drawn by the promise of opportunity in one of the state’s fastest-growing industries — building the networks that connect communities across New Mexico.

That demand is only expected to grow as New Mexico rolls out $675 million in federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) funding over the next five years to expand internet access statewide. SFCC’s fiber optic training, supported through the state’s Workforce Gro funding, is preparing workers with the skills needed to build and maintain the infrastructure behind that expansion.

Many newly certified fiber optic technicians will have an opportunity to meet face-to-face with industry employers at SFCC’s Broadband Networking/Job Fair from 1 to 4 p.m. on Friday, April 24 at SFCC’s Higher Education Center, 1950 Siringo Road. The event coincides with the final day of the five-day Certified Fiber Optics Technician training session with BDI Datalynk. New Mexico residents can enroll in the tuition-free five-day training, which runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 20-24 at the registration link  or call 505-428-1119.

Enrollees can earn three certifications from the Fiber Optic Association that are recognized throughout the world and aligned to industry standards. These credentials remain valid for three years, after which they can be renewed. Students earn the following certifications: Certified Fiber Optic Technician, Certified Fiber Optic Specialist in Splicing and Certified Fiber Optic Specialist in Training and Maintenance.

As broadband infrastructure expands, internet connectivity is increasing in rural parts of the state while new job opportunities emerge in communities where workforce training options have often been limited. SFCC offers intensive five-day training sessions not only at the Santa Fe Higher Education Center but also at training sites around New Mexico.

SFCC offers more intensive support for BECA pre-apprentices

In addition to the hundreds of entry-level technicians trained through the five-day course, SFCC has also supported about a dozen pre-apprentices through the state’s Workforce Solutions Building, Energizing and Connecting through Apprenticeships (BECA) program. The participants receive intensive support and training from an SFCC coach, bi-weekly Zoom meetings with industry professionals and career guidance.

Director of SFCC Contract Training Monique Anair, Ed.D., said the BECA program helps SFCC give the participants more in-depth training necessary as the fiber industry evolves. “Although called ‘pre-apprenticeships,’ these programs function more as upskilling and Related Technical Instruction (RTI) rather than traditional apprenticeship placements,” Anair said.

Participants pursue one of three broadband job tracks:

• field technician—installing fiber infrastructure across the state
• service technician—bringing fiber into homes and supporting customers

• engineering technician—GIS mapping, surveying and network design, which is the most advanced and highest paying pathway.

This short video explains more about SFCC’s Pre-Apprentice Opportunity Program (POP).

Inside SFCC interviewed several pre-apprentices via email to learn more about their experiences.

Joaquin Roibal, Albuquerque

“What I find interesting about fiber optic technology is how fast – about two thirds the speed of light –that fiber optics can transmit data and how much data can be transmitted, Joaquin Roibal, 38, from Albuquerque said. “The satisfaction I gain from fiber optics is learning the complexities of the technology and how it interacts to allow moder- day communications.” Roibal, who is studying information technology at Central New Mexico College, has a mining and engineering educational background, but is excited about his prospects in the fiber optics industry.

Through the BECA training, Roibal said, “I have gained a new appreciation for the technology, which is essential for our everyday lives in healthcare, education and employment. I have gained the hands-on experience in fiber splicing and testing to prepare to work in this field.”

He added the program has helped him make many industry connections around the state. “The information and training gives me the confidence to feel adequately prepared for employment.”

Jannell Soto, Artesia

Jannell Soto, 24, from Artesia shared her enthusiasm. “What I find most interesting and satisfying about working with fiber optics is the level of precision it requires. I’m a very detail-oriented person, and I thrive on accuracy,” said Soto, The GIS & Permitting Coordinator for Peñasco Valley Telephone (PVT) Cooperative, Inc.

“Splicing, following color coding correctly, and making sure everything meets regulatory standards is really satisfying to me.,” she added. It’s work that demands focus and attention to detail, and that’s where I do my best.”

Soto has a degree in geomatics (surveying engineering) and says her background has been rooted in mapping and spatial data. She is not seeking a career change, but rather an expansion into a field that builds naturally on her surveying background. “I work closely with fiber broadband projects in the engineering department at PVT, especially through as-builting (as-built documentation) and GIS (geographic information systems) documentation,” Soto said. “The SFCC training has helped me better understand the infrastructure behind the projects I support.”

Gilbert L. Martinez, Laguna Pueblo

Gilbert L. Martinez is a senior service technician at K’awaika Hanu Internet in Laguna Pueblo. He sees a lot of potential in fiber optic technology for his community. “I’ve always loved the technology behind fiber transmission,” he said, noting the amount of data that can be transmitted over fiber strands.

In his community, K’awaika Hanu Internet is a wireless internet service provider. “There are still outages and equipment capacity issues. Fiber will solve these issues.”

Referring to benefits of SFCC fiber optics training, Martinez added, “We have benefited from the vast resources not only pertaining to fiber, but also to broadband as a whole. We are grateful for the learning opportunities Santa Fe Community College has provided to me and our technicians.”

For participants like Roibal, Soto and Martinez, the training represents more than technical certification. SFCC is offering pathways to careers that will expand the broadband technology that will connect all New Mexicans.

For more information about SFCC’s Broadband Networking Job Fair or fiber optic training for individuals or groups, contact Monique Anair via email at monique.anair1@sfcc.edu or call 505-428-1060.