OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The “help wanted” ad is out to find people to install and maintain broadband infrastructure and the federal government is footing the bill for anyone interested to learn the skills needed to work in this field.
CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion (CLM) and the College of Central Florida (CF) in Chiefland have teamed up again to train workers for the installation and maintenance of high-speed internet in rural counties.
In the 352, training is open to those who live in Levy, Dixie and Gilchrist Counties.
CareerSource CLM held a one-week bootcamp in December.
Upcoming classes begin the following dates:
- April 29
- June 24
Both take place at CF’s Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus located at 15390 U.S. Hwy 19 north in Chiefland.
The training is part of the “Creating Connections” project which will provide fiber-optic access for roughly 70,000 residents and businesses in Levy, Dixie, Gilchrist, Suwanee, Union, Lafayette, Hamilton, Taylor, Madison, Jefferson, and Columbia Counties. The funding for Creating Connections comes from a $1.73 million federal grant.
CareerSource CLM says the goal of the initiative is to “recruit a labor force that will support the scope of a broadband expansion program in the rural northwest corridor of Florida; in order to have that labor force, we need to ensure they’re trained.”
During the 40-hour training, CareerSource CLM says students can expect to work with patch panels, fiber optic cable and test equipment that is similar or equal to what’s actually used in the field.
Students can earn three industry certifications for FREE. The certifications include:
- fiber optic technician
- fiber optics specialist in testing and maintenance
- fiber optics splicing specialist
It’s training that would typically cost $2,800 says CareerSource CLM.
The program will also include travel assistance, uniforms and required tools of the trade.
Residents of Levy, Dixie, and Gilchrist Counties who are interested in enrolling in the program or learning more should call 800-434-JOBS, ext. 4206 or email broadband@careersourceclm.com.