Charlottesville, Va. – September 25, 2024 – Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) is proud to announce its new Fiber Optics Installer Program, designed to address the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the rapidly expanding fiber optics industry. The first cohort of the program launches October 15, with classes delivered at the main campus.

The program emphasizes essential applications and industry best practices and is intentionally designed to equip individuals with the expertise needed to succeed in the high-demand field of telecommunications technology.

PVCC President Jean Runyon shared, “The Fiber Optics Installer Program will be delivered in our new Woodrow W. Bolick Advanced Technology and Student Success Center (The Bolick Center) that opened in August. The Bolick Center demonstrates PVCC’s ongoing commitment to creating a talent pipeline to address local employers’ workforce needs.”

The new program offers two options for fall 2024. The program will run October 15 to December 17, meeting weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. A weekend option is also available, beginning Saturday, October 26, and running through December 21. The weekend program will meet each Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. All classes are in person. The program qualifies for tuition assistance funding, meaning eligible Virginia residents could complete the program at no cost.

As high-speed internet becomes essential for businesses and households alike, the demand for qualified fiber optics installers has never been greater. "PVCC’s fiber optics program offers students specialized, hands-on training in a fast-growing industry in our service region,” stated PVCC Vice President of Academic Affairs and Workforce Development Leonda Keniston. “With a focus on practical skills and industry certification, the program opens doors to high-paying, in-demand careers, preparing students for immediate entry into the workforce and long-term success in an increasingly technology-focused job market," Keniston specified.

PVCC is one of seven colleges in the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) to benefit from $5 million awarded through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grant Program. The funds are for expanding the training capacity at the colleges and preparing skilled workers. Amazon Web Services is collaborating with PVCC – as well as other VCCS institutions – in offering expertise on data center operations.

The need for skilled fiber optics installers is driven, in large part, by the proliferation of data centers around Virginia. “This program underscores our commitment to aligning with industry needs,” said VCCS Chancellor David Doré. “We want to maintain a steady flow of talent that’s capable and ready to keep this rapidly expanding industry moving forward.”

To learn more about the program and tuition assistance funding opportunities, visit pvcc.edu/programs/fiber-optics-installer.

About Piedmont Virginia Community College

Established in 1972, Piedmont Virginia Community College is a nonresidential two-year institution of higher education that serves Central Virginia – principally, residents of the City of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson. PVCC is one of 23 community colleges in Virginia that comprise the Virginia Community College System. PVCC is committed to providing access to a college education for all who can benefit, an opportunity for each student to reach her/his potential and excellence in all programs and services. Visit pvcc.edu.