Light Brigade, AFL's fiber training and education division, has entered a training partnership with Next Level Technician, an organization focused on building technician skills in North and South Carolina. The partnership is intended to help empower youth in the Carolinas while adding skilled and properly trained technicians to the labor pool. Light Brigade will provide its training, and Next Level Technician will mentor and place students with organizations seeking qualified technicians.
"Our partnership with Next Level Technician will play a critical part in preparing students for success in a rapidly growing field," said Lee Kellett, general manager of Light Brigade. "This new program will provide great training followed by the apprenticeship needed to ensure success."
Light Brigade instructors will provide Next Level Technician students with an understanding of fiber technology and network components. Students will learn by doing the work, with hands-on training focused on best practices. Upon course completion, students will take the ETA FOI certification exam to earn their ETA certification.
"Next Level Technician has set out to become a premier training organization in the Carolinas. We knew we needed support with fiber optics, and that's why we partnered with Light Brigade," said Michael Cole, president of Next Level Technician. "They bring a rich history of knowledge and align with our hands-on training approach. This partnership will allow us to offer a deeper dive into fiber optics."