TEXARKANA, Ark. — A new program in partnership with the Arkansas Fiber Academy is set to begin early this fall at the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana.
The Fiber Optic Technician program will allow students to explore a career in the fiber broadband industry through classroom education and hands-on field experiences.
During the program, students will learn how to install, maintain, and troubleshoot fiber broadband to homes and businesses. Afterward, graduates will be eligible for the Fiber Broadband Association OpTIC Path 3-year certification.
The program, which consists of nine weeks of evening classes, with new classes beginning approximately every twelve weeks, is free to eligible students, however, a grant from the Office of Skills Development will underwrite the cost.
"UAHT is excited to partner with the Office of Skills Development and the Arkansas Fiber Academy to offer the Fiber Optic Technician program on the Hope campus free of charge,” said Laura Clark, Vice Chancellor for Academics. “This initiative demonstrates our commitment to providing students with in-demand skills for the digital age while removing financial barriers to education. By training the next generation of fiber optic technicians, we're not only shaping careers but also contributing to a more connected future for our region."
The mean wage for Arkansas workers in the field is $30.11 per hour, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a faster-than-average growth rate for telecommunications line installer and repairer jobs over the next ten years.
Fiber Optic Technician Program to Begin Soon at UA Hope-Texarkana
For more information or to be added to the interest list, contact Akili Moses Israel at (870) 722-8568 or akili.mosesisrael@uaht.edu.
