Sept. 12, 2017
Thanks to a Kentucky Power Economic Advancement Program Grant, ACTC is offering a fiber optics technology course this fall at its Technology Drive Campus.
The introductory 48-hour class is designed for anyone interested in becoming a Certified Fiber Optic Technician. This training combines theory and hands-on activities to prepare the student to take the CFOT (Certified Fiber Optic Technician) test that is sanctioned by the FOA (Fiber Optics Association) and is given on and graded the final class day.
“Fiber connects all the major cities across the country and across the world. The most common way the world’s internet is connected from continent to continent is by fiber cables laid across the ocean’s floor,” said Michael Tackett, instructor of electrical technology at ACTC. “Just about every industrial plant in the U.S. now has fiber communication cables ran internally for equipment in the plant to communicate and it is usually a skilled electrician that will install the fiber cable, install the connectors and test the cable.”
Tackett will be the instructor for the fiber optics class, which is from 4-8 p.m. Sept. 25-28, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 30, 4-8 p.m. Oct. 2-5 and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 7.
The course also introduces the student to industry standards governing FTTD (Fiber To The Desk), FTTH (Fiber To The Home), and Distribution Cabling. Students will learn how to identify fiber types, recognize various connectors used in fiber installation; and install, terminate, splice and properly test installed fiber cable to existing standards. This program explores the history and future of fiber optics and fiber optics capabilities and basic testing and troubleshooting.
“Imagine if a person was applying for a maintenance/electrical position at a plant and they were the only person applying that had nationally recognized fiber certification. I think it would definitely set you apart from the other job applicants,” Tackett said.
Tuition for the course is $535, which includes study materials and exam fees. Internet access is required for at-home coursework. Students must pass both the written and hands-on exams to successfully pass this course.
To register for the course, visit Ashland.kctcs.edu/workforce_solutions, email as_workforce@kctcs.edu or call 606-326-2072.
Free elder abuse workshop
ACTC’s Workforce Solutions and the FIVCO Local Council on Elder Maltreatment are sponsoring a free elder abuse prevention workshop focusing on financial exploitation.
Two sessions will be offered at ACTC’s College Drive Campus in the Teleconference Room of the Learning Resource Center. Sessions will be from 10-11:30 a.m. 1-2:30 p.m. on Oct. 31.
The workshop, “Preventing Elder Financial Exploitation: The Power of Detection and How You Can Help,” will be presented by Lori Farris, Kentucky Attorney General, and Kathryn Anderson, Assistant U.S. Attorney, who are both members of the Elder Justice Task Force.
This training is for bank staff, social workers and financial advisors and provides the tools to recognize financial exploitation and financial scams, a description of Kentucky statutes and federal statutes pertinent to reporting suspicions and guidelines for reporting, case examples and characteristics exhibited by an exploited elder and resources to assist vulnerable elders.
This workshop is eligible for 1.5 free Social Work Continuing Education Units.
