YSU STEM Workforce Education and Innovation partners with Fiber Broadband Association to launch OpTIC Path™ training program
Youngstown State University’s STEM Workforce Education and Innovation is proud to announce a new partnership with the Fiber Broadband Association to offer the Optical Telecom Installer Certification program (OpTIC Path™).
This initiative, supported by industry partner and FBA member Preformed Line Products and the National Centers for Urban Solutions, aims to enhance workforce readiness for the rapidly growing fiber broadband industry.
The OpTIC Path™ program provides participants with hands-on experience, preparing them for in-demand roles such as Fiber Optic Technician. This collaboration underscores YSU’s commitment to advancing workforce development in broadband and 5G technologies, addressing the increasing demand for skilled fiber technicians in Northeast Ohio and beyond.
This effort aligns with Ohio’s broadband expansion initiatives, which focus on increasing digital connectivity and workforce development across the state. YSU plays a critical role in this movement by leading the Northeast Ohio Broadband and 5G Node, an initiative aimed at fostering innovation, training and collaboration to drive regional career awareness and workforce readiness.
This collaboration builds upon the long-standing partnership between YSU and NCUS, which has been instrumental in building industry-driven workforce training programs. Through previous joint initiatives, YSU and NCUS have worked together to create opportunities that connect individuals with careers in telecommunications, broadband and 5G technology. The addition of NCUS to this collaboration strengthens this effort by expanding access to workforce training for untapped talent, ensuring that individuals with high potential have opportunities to enter and thrive in the broadband industry. By integrating FBA and PLP into this partnership, YSU continues to strengthen its role as a leader in workforce innovation and skill development for the broadband sector.
YSU STEM Workforce Education and Innovation aims to create seamless pathways for learners to excel in careers at the intersection of advanced manufacturing, information technology and connectivity solutions. By integrating the OpTIC Path™ training with this broader mission, YSU ensures that its workforce development programs remain at the forefront of technological advancements and industry demands.
“YSU is excited to partner with the Fiber Broadband Association to offer cutting-edge workforce training that meets the evolving needs of the broadband sector,” said Lindsey Ekstrand, director of Workforce Education Programs at YSU. “This program aligns with our mission to provide innovative, industry-driven education that leads to quality career opportunities.”
FBA’s OpTIC Path™ program is designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in fiber optics, covering key areas such as fiber splicing, network construction and safety protocols. By integrating this training with NCUS’s broader workforce initiatives, YSU ensures that participants, particularly those from untapped talent pools, receive the necessary support, resources and hands-on training to successfully transition into high-demand careers in the broadband industry.
“Building a skilled fiber workforce is essential to expanding broadband access and bridging the digital divide,” said Todd Jackson, Workforce Development Director at FBA. “Our partnership with YSU and industry leaders like PLP help equip workers with the expertise needed to support the nation’s fiber infrastructure expansion.”
Enrollment for the OpTIC Path™ training program is now open, with classes set to begin March 24. For more information, contact Chris Riedel, Program Manager of Networking and Telecommunications, at ctriedel@ysu.edu or 330-941-2036.