Air Blown Fibre Optic Cable Installation and Repair Technicians Course:

With any demand comes an opportunity to enjoy the rewards. And what better time than now to gain the skills and qualifications you need for success as an Air Blown Fibre Optic Cable Installer.

Internet broadband access, voice over IP Telephony and video on demand services are currently provided by existing communication networks using copper wire and coax in that final connection to the customer.

Using techniques such as ADSL and VDSL has allowed telephone network operators, to claim bandwidth offerings of up to 50 Mega Bits per second. In reality the majority only ever deliver between 2 Mbps and 10 Mbps.

Older networks in Ireland, that are planned to be upgraded will have to provide much greater bandwidth for the home user and small business. As such, these networks will have to be based around Passive Optical (PON) or fibre deep type Network infrastructures. Which require bringing optical fibre to the home or as near the home as possible.

Existing Fibre To The Home (FTTH) networks in Holland and other European countries are delivering a bandwidth to the end user that is hundreds or even thousands of times greater than what is available using today’s copper based systems.

The preferred way of delivering this new fibre based technology to the home or small business user, is the “Air Blown Fibre” method.

In 2010/11 NEW Fibre To The Home PON networks are to be built over existing Networks in Ireland Europe and the USA. Eircom in Ireland are planning to commence the work of upgrading their network. Bringing customers onto this technology early in 2011.

This course is ideal for out of work former contractors who have worked on Telecom's networks such as Eircom and those who are already working in the cabling, fibre, industries.
Former construction workers, bricklayers, plumbers, electricians, painters and decorators etc would be even better placed to use this training to get enable them to get back into work.

As systems are integrated with fibre networks. The need to be able to present fibre optic cable in difficult installation situations is going to be essential. Using an air blown fibre solution will be the solution of choice.

Image of aerial air blown fibre network

Duration: This Course will be delivered over a period FIVE WEEKS. In our training facility. Home study is included in this programme so that the unemployed do not have to spend money on BB accommodation for long periods of time. We are also hoping to have a Period of Work placement of a period of FIVE WEEKS. or more (this placement is subject to them being made available due to the economic climate and delayed projects of work)

WEEK 1: Programme Induction. Health and safety.
Customer care and Communication Skills within the communications industry
WEEK 2: Class room instruction learning about the most common air blown cable systems used on different elements of a communication network. Such as EMTELLE, CBS TORNADO, PLUMETTAZ, SIROCCO,
WEEK 3: Airblown fibre systems, Fibre to home installation methods such as the AERIAL Drop, Direct buried drop, DUG drop, WALL drop, MDU drop, Installation methods. Different tube bundling etc.
WEEK 4: Complete practical tasks such as working with closures, Stripping, using different tools, how to join and waterproof tubing etc Use the blowing equipment to blow fibre and practice the various blowing methods
WEEK 5: Job seeking, preparation for contracting.

Location:
This course will be delivered in the Eric Centre at the Carlow Institute of Technology Because this is the only facility in Ireland with the duct and overhead practical training lab to be able to provide this training.

The delayed awarding of resources to deliver this programme now prevent us from preparing other locations. Directions and maps are provided with course joining instructions. We do collect course attendees from the train and bus stations.

Accommodation Availability
We have an arrangement with a local Bed and Breakfast who we can put you in contact with.

This course designed for those who are looking for New work or self employment opportunities using a new and up and coming technology.

Example of Underground Fibre Drop Cables being installed

COURSE AIM:

Every person who completes the course will be entered onto the national register of trained persons. Contractors working on projects insist on using trained qualified persons So they refer to our register to ensure that anyone wanting to work or subcontract for them are qualified.

THE AIM OF THIS COURSE IS TO DEVELOP A POOL OF ALREADY QUALIFIED AND TRAINED PERSONS FOR COMMUNICATION COMPANIES AND THEIR CONTRACTORS.

At The End Of This Programme You Will Be Able To:-

Identify the different types of cables and of tube bundles used to carry the air blown fibre

Handle Test and Deploy different cables and tube bundles

Complete Cable and Fibre Bundle stripping and handling techniques.

Tube Connectors, and jointing enclosures.

Understand Blowing equipment operation.

Blow fibre optic cables down tube bundles.

Use different blowing techniques including point to point, centre and onward blowing.

Understand the requirements of the different home installation methods (drop).

Use Blown Fibre enclosures

This Course has been constructed with all the required tools, material and equipment available, so that you can practice tasks such as jointing of tube bundle, and the actual blowing of fibre. Gaining real hands on experience is a massive benefit to you.

After completing the course assessments you will gain a Certificate. in Installation of air blown fibre systems. This is an industry Qualification that is Recognised "Across Europe"

All training provided is that which the system manufacturers have stated is required, and communication companies have indicated is a minimum that is expected of anyone working on their network.

Eligibility: Participants on programmes eligible for Fund support must be in receipt of an unemployment payment for a period of at least three consecutive months, or equivalent thereof, before joining the programmes (time spent on training or education programmes will be reckonable for this three-month period).

Welfare Entitlements: course participants pursuing training courses may qualify for retention of Department of Social Protection (D/SP) welfare payments while on courses for so long as they are entitled to receive such payments under D/SP eligibility rules course participants pursuing courses of education may qualify for Back-to-Education or may, under the Part-time Education Option, retain D/SP welfare payments while on courses for so long as they are entitled to receive such payments under D/SP eligibility rules.

Individuals should check with their local Department of Social Protection Office regarding their welfare entitlements before enrolling on LMAF-funded programmes.

Interested in attending this programme? Are you certain that you can commit to the full five week programme? and any work placement period?

We are currently collecting the details from people who are interested in attending this programme. All course applications must be COMPLETED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE PLACES ARE LIMITED!!. Complete this form with the details requested and we will contact you shortly.