Partnering with College of the Albemarle to provide the OpTIC Path program is broadband internet provider Fybe, according to the organization’s Dec. 5 announcement. Together, the two hope to produce a pipeline of expertly trained fiber broadband technicians in Eastern North Carolina, according to a Dec. 5 announcement from the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA).

Bo Coughlin, the COO at Fybe, said there has never been a better time to begin a career in fiber broadband.

“The OpTIC Path program will deliver robust technical training and create a healthy pipeline of highly qualified fiber technicians for a high-demand, lucrative, long-term career,” he said.

It is the latest of many partnerships entered into by the FBA with higher learning institutions, service providers, and vocational programs.

The FBA first created the OpTIC Path program in 2021 to develop a training credential and strengthen the fiber broadband workforce, the FBA has previously stated.

Recently, the FBA celebrated after their OpTIC Path program was selected for a pilot to become the primary fiber optic technician credential for Job Corps.

The FBA said Fybe, which is based in North Carolina, “recognized that the availability of qualified fiber technicians would be critical in its ability to successfully deploy and maintain reliable, high-speed fiber networks,” the FBA’s announcement said.

The statement continued.

“(Fybe) noticed other N.C. communities offered FBA’s OpTIC Path program and gained a pipeline of talented fiber technicians, so Fybe partnered with College of The Albemarle to adopt the course, foster local talent, and create a strong program that will provide long-standing value to the communities they serve.”

College of The Albemarle will launch the OpTIC Path program in February 2024, according the FBA’s announcement stated.

More information about the FBA’s OpTIC Path program is available here, at the FBA’s website.

Reach Brad Randall at brad.randall@totaltele.com.