Vol State Fiber Optic Technician Training Course Begins January 22

Vol State will offer a five-day Fiber Optic Technician training course at the Cookeville campus later this month.

Vol State Workforce Development Administrator Jeff Cockrell said those who complete the course will receive full fiber optics certification. He said fiber optics is a growing skilled trade.

“I think we saw the importance of skilled trades during COVID,” Cockrell said. “And this is just a great career field to get into because the average pay for a fiber optics technician in Tennessee right now is $26 an hour, and some even make as high as $41 an hour.”

Cockrell said with the high demand for technicians in Tennessee, there has never been a better time to take the class and earn the certification. The course runs January 22-26 with signups on the Vol State website.

“We’re constantly looking at industry and trends and trying to see what we can do to meet the needs when it comes to the workforce, and like I said, this a great career field and there is a high demand for fiber optic technicians right now,” Cockrell said.

Cockrell said the installation of broadband, mobile, and landlines has become a more technical skill than it was in the past with the increase of high-speed internet. He said coaxial is easier to install because it is more durable than fiber optics. This training will provide the skills needed to do more delicate, finesse work.

“We want to see what kind of response we can get from this class in January, but I think there is a great potential there to offer it multiple times a year,” Cockrell said.

There will be three class sessions from 8am-5pm over the five days. The course requires a $950 fee that covers books and study materials. Cockrell said the course is offered at the Gallatin campus three times each year.