Empowering the Future of the Broadband Workforce: Corning and CVCC Collaborate on Fiber Optic Training Center
Michael A. Bell
Published: October 18, 2024
What a momentous day for Corning Optical Communications, Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC), and the Hickory Metro Area! On October 17, we cut the ribbon on the first-of-its-kind Corning Fiber Optic Training Center at CVCC’s Corporate Development Center. It marks not only an exciting new chapter for our organizations but also a significant stride towards addressing the urgent need for a skilled broadband workforce.
This collaboration with CVCC is more than just the creation of a new training center. It exemplifies our dedication to our shared mission: the development and empowerment of a future-ready workforce. Through hands-on training and education, we aim to equip the next generation with the necessary skills to design, engineer, install, and manage high-speed fiber broadband networks.
Our industry stands at the brink of a momentous opportunity – the chance to connect the unconnected. Yet, there remains a crucial gap in the skilled workforce needed to deploy and maintain these networks. This joint initiative is our proactive response to this challenge, preparing our industry to meet the growing demand for fiber broadband as more public and private funding becomes available.
The new training center is located in Hickory, N.C., where Corning has manufactured optical cable for decades. It underscores a commitment we share with CVCC – a commitment to fostering skills that lead to competitive employment and family-sustaining wages.
There’s never been a better time to join our industry. When you become a broadband technician, you’re not only embarking on a well-paying career with excellent growth prospects, but you’re also making the world better, by bringing high-speed broadband to more people and communities. By providing affordable training, Corning and CVCC are not only supporting workforce development but also boosting the talent pipeline in the Hickory Metro service area.
This initiative is testament to the power of collaboration between business and educational institutions. Together, we can cultivate a skilled workforce and drive growth in the telecommunications industry.
CVCC’s mission to transform communities through exceptional learning experiences and workforce development aligns perfectly with our goal at Corning. We are proud to contribute to the future of the telecom industry and the communities we serve.
We are excited about the prospects that this new training center holds. It’s not just about equipping individuals with skills for the future; it’s about empowering communities, transforming industries, and ultimately, it's about connections.
Corning is delighted to be part of this transformative journey. Together with CVCC, we look forward to shaping the future of the telecom industry -- one skilled technician at a time.
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