Tuition-Free Program Provides Hands-On Fiber Optic Training, Boosting Workforce Development in Rochester
Rochester, N.Y. (January 23, 2025) – Greenlight Networks, (“Greenlight”), the leading fiber-to-the-home provider in New York State, is pleased to announce its partnership with the Rochester Educational Opportunity Center (REOC) to launch the Fiber Optic Technician training program, designed by the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA). This free, 15-week program is designed to train individuals with the essential skills and knowledge needed for careers in the high-demand fiber optics field and combines hands-on instruction with the FBA OpTIC Path™ curriculum. This partnership will help to boost workforce development within the Rochester market by creating a pipeline of future fiber optic technicians.
“Over the past two years, we’ve been working closely with the FBA to carefully plan this workforce development initiative within Rochester, a market that we’ve been engrained in since the very beginning. We wanted to ensure that we found the right community partner to help with the execution and we chose the Rochester Educational Opportunity Center,” said Beth Delforte, Vice President – Human Resources Greenlight Networks. “REOC is fully dedicated to the local community and understands the value occupational trade training has. What’s even better, is its unique, tuition-free training model, which provides equal access to this valuable program. This effort has been a true collaboration between our three organizations working tirelessly to bring it to life. We’re excited to see how we can grow the fiber industry together.”
Program highlights:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Students will gain fundamental knowledge of fiber optics, including light transmission theory, network design, and splicing techniques, while learning to use industry-specific tools.
- Hands-On Training: The program emphasizes practical training with students working directly with fiber optic cables, mastering splicing, termination and testing processes that meet industry standards. Through both classroom instructions and hands-on skills training students will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of installing, testing, and maintaining networks.
- Career-Focused Skills: Students develop critical skills in problem-solving and safety protocols, and in the ability to read and interpret technical schematics and network diagrams.
- Job Placement Assistance: Graduates receive access to job placement support, connecting them with employers seeking skilled fiber optic technicians.
- Certification Preparation: Graduates are prepared for nationally recognized certifications such as the Fiber Broadband Association OpTIC Path, increasing their employment opportunities in telecommunications, utilities, and network infrastructure roles.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Greenlight on this unique program. It’s designed for those individuals who have an interest in entering the fiber optics field, which we all know is in high demand for skilled workers. It’s also ideal for those seeking to upskill for career advancement,” said Tim Shafer, Director of Academic Affairs REOC. “While no prior experience is necessary, a basic understanding of networking is beneficial. Through the program’s comprehensive curriculum, students will learn the ins and outs of fiber optic systems and ultimately, be better prepared for an industry with major growth potential.”
The program is slated to start on Tuesday, January 28. To learn more about the admission requirements and to apply today, visit reoc.brockport.edu. For details about the FBA and the push to develop more FBA OpTIC Path™ programs nationwide, visit: fiberbroadband.org.
About Greenlight Networks
Greenlight Networks is an ultra-high-speed, broadband service provider, offering residential and small business customers Internet speeds up to 8 Gigabits per second. Greenlight Networks was founded in 2011 and builds, owns, and operates a fiber-optic network that provides extremely high-speed Internet connections. The company’s high-speed fiber internet network is currently available to more than 200,000 homes and nearly 10,000 small businesses in 29 municipalities in the Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, Rochester, and the Hudson Valley region. For more information, visit GreenlightNetworks.com or find it on Facebook.com/GreenlightNetworks, and @GreenlightFiber on X.
About Rochester Educational Opportunity Center
Rochester EOC has been a leader in quality, tuition-free, short-term College Preparation, Career and Technical training for adults in Rochester and surrounding areas for over 55 years. REOC is sponsored, in part, by SUNY Brockport, and offers innovative quality programs to a diverse adult population. The goal of the REOC is for its graduates to obtain placement in higher education or employment. Conveniently located at 161 Chestnut Street, the REOC offers day, evening, and online training programs. For more information, visit www.reoc.brockport.edu or find it on facebook.com/RochesterEOC, and on Instagram and TikTok @rochestereoc.
