FOA Certifies
20,000th CFOT!
- During October, 2006, the FOA
certified its 20,000th CFOT Certified Fiber Optic Technician.
Since its founding in 1995 as the professional society of fiber
optics, the FOA has grown into the world's largest fiber optic
organization, a non-profit organization well-known for its technical
contributions to the industry and pro-bono activities for the
benefit of contractors, installers, educators and manufacturers.
"The FOA is proud to announce another milestone," noted
FOA President Jim Hayes. "To reach this point, we have depended
on the support of our CFOTs, our trainers and the industry. We're
proud to have provided them a unique service in return
helping to provide the qualified technicians that are required
to make fiber optics a mainstream technology, especially with
Fiber To The Home finally becoming real. The FOA is looking forward
to continuing growth by supporting the continuing usage of fiber
optic technology in all telecommunications applications."
The FOA has approved over 160 schools and training organizations
teaching fiber optics and provided free educational materials
to over 5,000 high schools to introduce students to fiber optics.
An online database of FOA-certified technicians allows end users
to connect with contractors, installers and employees at no cost.
Working with knowledgeable industry leaders, the FOA has developed
certification programs for specialized technicians in splicing,
termination, testing, teaching and fiber to the home (FTTx).
The FOA is a regular contributor to industry standards activities.
And the FOA website has become a focal point for technical literature
and links to useful website for the entire industry.
FTTH News
FOA-approved schools are readying
CFxT certification programs. Check the list of approved schools;
we'll be noting this on the listings as they are announced.
FOA's CFxT FTTx Certification Program
Explained
- Read about the FOA FTTx certification
program.
- http://www.broadbandproperties.com/2006issues/sep06issues/hayes_sep.pdf
ONE MILLION HOMES CONNECTED
WITH FIBER!
 Graph from Broadband
Properties
- FTTH To Save Verizon Billions
In Maintenance
- Most analyses of the financial
aspects of FTTx focus on the potential revenue from new services,
but FTTx also offers big cost savings. A number
of industry reports have noted that some phone companies with
aging cable plant can benefit from lower operational costs in
maintenance by converting to FTTx. Recently Verizon confirmed
this by telling financial analysts and an audience at the FTTH
Council Conference in Las Vegas that they would spend about $22.9
billion through 2010, but the capital expense would be offset
by about $4.9 billion in savings on maintenance on its aging
cable plant. Verizon, which has 33 million households in a 28
state area, includes some very old cabling (when we lived in
the Boston area, our phone connected to the street on 60 year
old wires!) so the benefits of FTTP will be very apparent. Verizon's
plans include passing 18 million households, over half their
served homes.
- Many reports of the Verizon
presentations only discuss the net investment - $18 billion -
but the enormous savings in maintenance costs could be a very
important factor in the decison of many other phone companies
with aging cable plants to go FTTx.
- Verizon Hiring Fiber Techs
in Many California Towns
- Verizon is looking for fiber
techs in more than a dozen communities in Southern California.
Besides fiber skills, they also would like other networking and
PC skills, to complete installations. See
below for more details. https://www22.verizon.com/about/careers/fiberjobs.html.
- Want To Learn More About
FTTx?
- The FOA has created a special
FTTx links page with lots of
links to news, market reports, technical articles and vendor
technical and product information. Here
is a great place to start learning more about FTTx.
-
- Finance Group Targets FTTx
Contractors, Helps Cash Flow
Riviera Finance has been helping
companies with their cash flow for more than 37 years. Now they
are helping FTTx contractors by providing financial assistance
with cash flow, invoice financing, and accounts receiveable management.
Riviera Finance will help you get cash for your accounts receivable
in as little as 24 hours. Call Drake: (800) 421-1327 www.rivierafinance-fiberoptics.com
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- Launch and Defect Boxes For
OTDR Testing
Custom made by Pearson Technologies. The basic model has multimode
and singlemode cables with different connectors on ends. The
short patch cord enables testing of two different connectors,
as indicated on the inside of the cover. The model shown enables
testing of two different fiber types and two different connector
styles with an OTDR having either of two connector styles. External
cables are rugged 3 mm. Holes in cover enable use without pinching
of cables. Handle enables convenient moving to testing site.
Case dimensions are 11.625 x 4.625 x 8.
- Lengths of exposed cables are
approximately 10 feet. Lengths of fibers are limited by internal
volume of box. As shown, both multimode and singlemode are approximately
100 m. Internal fiber is rugged 900 µm, so transit is not
a problem.
Internal defects and features are options. We can incorporate
internal bend radius violations, splices, connector pairs, high
attenuation rate fiber and multiple segments of same or different
fibers.
- Options include connector styles,
fiber types, length of internal fiber, length of external fiber,
length of patch cord. An additional option is a third connector
style on one of the fibers. We recommend only two fibers per
box, as wrapping of external cables may become awkward.
Competitively priced. We build all units to order. Delivery is
1-3 weeks.
- Contact:
- Pearson Technologies Inc.
- 4671 Hickory Bend Drive
Acworth, GA 30102
770-490-9991 or 770-591-8921 or 800-589-2549 [US]
509-693-5670/fax
fiberguru@ptnowire.com
- Web Site: www.ptnowire.com
Special Offers On Equipment,
FTTx Background Materials and T-Shirts From Mississauga Training
Consultants
FOA T-Shirts: Mediun, Large and
Extra Large only. And all are white and 9oz cotton.
400 X microscopes and at a discounted price of 140.00 US while
supplies last.
The FTTX text by Mississauga Training is complete and ready for
sale. It is about 100 pages with lots of pictures.
VISA and MCard accepted.
If you are looking for an odd item for your show and tel in your
class let me know. I probably have it and can help you.
We can give a quantity discount to FOA approved schools
William Graham, CFOS
Mississauga Training Consultants
6117 Clover Ridge Crescent
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, L5N 7B2
<http://www.fiberoptictraining.com>
e-mail: <mailto:mrfiber@canada.com>mrfiber@canada.com
Tel: 905-785-8012
-
 FOA Textbook published
in Spanish
- The FOA's textbook, The
Fiber Optic Technicians Manual, is used by our approved
schools around the world to teach fiber optics.
- Now we have our textbook in
Spanish, we have also translated our CFOT exams and will have
other FOA materials available in Spanish soon, greatly facilitating
the training of fiber optic technicians in Spanish-speaking countries.
- Contact us if you need more
information.
-
- Book Details: Manual Del
Technico De Fibra Optica, Published by Thomson Delmar Learning,
ISBN 1-4180-6121-2
-
- If you are getting started
in fiber optics and Spanish is your native language, you can
download an introduction to fiber optics in Spanish here.
-
-
- NEW-FOA Technical Bulletins
- How do you design and manufacture
fiber optic systems? Choose and install one to serve your communications
needs? Troubleshoot problems? The FOA Fiber Optic technical Bulletins
will provide step-by-step guidelines to help you. All are
PDF files you can print and use.
- Designing
and manufacturing fiber optic communications products for manufacturers.
- Choosing,
installing and using fiber optic producst for users.
- Troubleshooting
fiber optic cable plants and communcations systems.
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- Job
Openings
-
- Verizon: Fiber Network Field
Technician (Outside Field Technician)
- Openings in the following California
areas:
US-CA-Malibu
US-CA-Camarillo
US-CA-Pomona
US-CA-Hemet
US-CA-Huntington Beach
US-CA-Indio
US-CA-Rancho Cucamonga
US-CA-Lakewood
US-CA-Menifee
US-CA-Redondo Beach
US-CA-Santa Monica
US-CA-Victorville
US-CA-San Bernadino
Take your career to new heights at a company that's a leader
in global communications: Verizon. We offer an unparalleled opportunity
to advance your career while contributing in an enthusiastic,
team-oriented environment.
- Primary duties include, but
are not limited to:
- Install, remove, rearrange,
program, test, troubleshoot and maintain fiber network services.
Install and configure routers, set top boxes. May assist
with installation of PC software as needed and ensure proper
configuration of the customer's PC. Interact with the Fiber
Solution Center as needed. May install appropriate inside
wire/cable.
Install, maintain and repair outside and inside fiber equipment/facilities
including inside wiring and fiber jumpers at the distribution
hub.
Interface with customer to negotiate the placement of equipment;
may assist with account registration, e-mail, and web access,
and training the customer on how to use the new equipment. Ensure
customer satisfaction. Respond to inquiries and provide
follow-up, as necessary.
Interpret schematic work order drawings to determine job specifications
and installation needs. Order and/or obtain required equipment.
Effect problem solving where appropriate.
Utilize various test equipment to analyze equipment trouble and
take appropriate maintenance action.
- Skills/Requirements:
- Requires high level of customer
contact to ensure customer satisfaction.
Climbing poles and ladders; lifting 75-100 pounds on a regular
basis; pushing, reaching, bending and stooping; manual dexterity;
good sense of balance; and good color vision.
Must have a current/valid California Drivers License and a clean
driving record.
Qualified candidates must pass all company required tests, a
pre-employment drug screen and a background check. In addition,
candidates will be required to successfully pass a legally required
DOJ Criminal Records Check/screening process (fingerprinting).
Candidates must be able to work any shift given, including days,
weekends, holidays and overtime as required.
- Verizon offers:
- Hourly rate for this position
is $12.87-28.55. Wage credit may be granted for related
work experience and/or college degree.
Benefits include medical, dental, life insurance, 401(k) with
Company match and paid vacation
- interested candidates should
go to https://www22.verizon.com/about/careers/fiberjobs.html
to apply AND schedule themselves for testing.
- Thank you for showing an
interest in Verizon!
Verizon is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer supporting
workforce diversity. m/f/d/v. Principals only!
-
- Get Into The Movie Biz!
Marshall Media in the LA Metro
area is building a fiber network to connect movie studios over
dark fiber. They need fiber optic experts preferably with video
knowledge. Contact Charlie Marshall, Marshall Media Inc, 818-299-4961,
"charlie marshall" <marshallmedia@charter.net>
FIBER OPTIC INSTRUCTOR OPPORTUNITIES!
UIT United Information
Technologies
United Information Technologies
(UIT) is a provider of Consulting, Staffing and Training Services
specializing in servicing the needs of the Telecommunications
Industry. We were established in 1987 and now hold major contracts
with most of the leading Telecom companies. We have open instructor
positions every month!
We are looking for candidates
with industry experience and we understand and appreciate the
value you can bring to our company!
Our training services include
Instructing, Curriculum Development, Testing and Project Management
in the fast paced world of fiber optics and POTS. Instructors
are needed for all facets of FTTX deployment and maintenance.
Assignments vary from daily, weekly and monthly, travel may be
required.
Consultants are needed for the
following positions:
Training Instructors (Outside Plant, Central Office, Data Services
/ Broadband, Fiber Optics, Video, Help Desk, Call Center, Sales,
Management Education, Soft Skills)
Curriculum Developers (all areas of Development and Telecom Expertise)
Web Designers
Network and Engineering Specialists
Service Center Personnel (Billing, Provisioning and Service Bureau)
System and Application Testers
Quality Assurance Specialists
And more if you don't see your area of expertise, understand
we are still interested in you!
UIT offers competitive wages
and benefits.
ARE YOU READY TO JOIN THE
UIT TEAM?
Contact UIT today for your opportunity!
Resumes can be submitted via our company website: www.uitonline.com
or directly using the email address of: staffing.services@uitonline.com
Please reference Fiber
Optic Association on your application or correspondence
Fiber Optic Technician
- This is a direct hire position
in Irvine CA
To perform this job successfully, an individual must have knowledge
of
G.O. 128, OSHA rules and company safety regulations.
1 year fiber optic experience.
1-2 years maintenance technician experience.
Good verbal and communication skills.
Good mathematical skills and attention to detail.
Must possess thorough knowledge of the following; fiber optic
and CATV
test equipment: fusion splicer, OTDR, optical power meter, fiber
identifier, signal meter, fiber phones and VOM. Must possess
a valid
California driver's license and have a good driving record.
Ability to work under hazardous conditions, such as working at
heights
on telephone poles and bucket trucks.
Must have good visual acuity and good manual dexterity due to
the nature
of the work.
Ability to tolerate exposure to outside weather conditions. Ability
to
engineer fiber optic telephony and cable television design.
Ability to effectively under stressful deadline situations.
Ability to work flexible schedules and shifts on a regular basis.
Ability to perform standby duty on a regular rotational basis.
Ability to effectively interact with people in all phases of
projects.
- Thank you once again
- Zarine Omran
Sr. Technical Recruiter
WEST-TEK
949-727-9133
111 Pacifica Ste 220
Irvine, CA 92618
- Fiber Optic Sales (3 Jobs)
Have a need for 3
sales Directors with international experience and in-depth knowledge
of the Optical Fiber / Fiber Optic Cable Industry. This company
is looking for individuals to achieve a significant multiple
in terms of volume and profit growth. This is an urgent need
with lots of opportunity within this large international corporation.I
RESPOND DIRECTLY TO al@bratlandcareers.com
Al Bratland ð President
Bratland & Associates, Inc.
P.O. Box 63 St. James MN. 56081
Phone: 507-375-4110 ð Email: al@bratlandcareers.com
Web:http://www.bratlandcareers.com
A Preferred Member of Top Echelon
Network of Recruiters
-
- Instructor
- National Communications Training
Centers (NCTC) is currently looking to hire an evening instructor.
The candidate must have 2 plus years experience with HANDS ON
fiber installation and be FOA certified. The class hours are
6pm to 10 pm Monday through Thursday for 6 weeks.
- National Communications Training
Centers (NCTC) is now nationally accredited by ACCSCT as well
as graduates receive BICSI credits upon completion of the course.
- Please fax (only) a resume to
760-471-0291.
- Dan Postoskie
- Director of Training
- National Communications Training
Centers
- 1324 E. Mission Rd.
- San Marcos, CA, 92069
-
-
-
- Also Check Recent Job Openings
In Previous Issues of The FOA Newsletter
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- Tech Puzzler
- What connector is this? We're
going to run a few months of having you try to identify fiber
optic connectors, some common, some obscure. Recognize this one?
It's still used in some process control and military applications.
Why are there two versions?
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- Answer below
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- Understanding FOA Certifications
- To answer questions on FOA certifications,
we've created several new web pages:
- Overview
of FOA certifications
- CFOT
- CFxT
- AFOT
- CFOS
- Training
Requirements - What Schools Are Teaching
-
- Reading these will help you
understand what each FOA certification covers and how to prepare
for them.
-
- New Professional Society
for Structured Cabling Recognizes Importance of Fiber Optics
(and Wireless)
- The new Structured Cabling Association,
Inc. (http://www.scausa.org/)
is a professional society aimed at installers of "structured
cabling" or premises cabling. Structured cabling has been
focused on so-called "Cat 5" or UTP cabling for years,
while network speeds have left UTP behind. Now most backbones
for LANs are fiber optics and every network seems to have wireless.
The SCA, founded in part by FOA activists Tom Collins and Jim
Hayes, intends to make structured cabling training and certification
more relevant to today's world.
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-
 New: FOA Logo Merchandise
- FOA has arranged with EmbroidMe
to provide FOA logo merchandies. Identify yourself as a FOA-certified
tech or instructor. The lab coats are super impressive for either
cabling techs and instructors. Check
out the selection.
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- FOA CFOT Renewals Get Free
Copy of NECA/FOA Installation Standard
- Every CFOT renewal will now
receive a free copy of NECA 301-2004,
Installing And Testing Fiber Optic Cables, produced by
The FOA in cooperation with NECA (The National Electrical Contractors
Association). This is an important reference document for defining
the installation and testing of fiber optic cable plants in a
"neat and workmanlike manner."
- The FOA feels this is such an
important document that we are giving a free copy (normally priced
at $15) to every active CFOT when they renew their active status.
- The FOA has also sent free copies
to all FOA-Approved schools. The new FOA CFOT exam to be used
after August, 2005, will include questions from the standard.
Schools should be including information from the standard in
their classes already.
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-
New Tech
Topics
- FOA Tech Bulletins - for those designing FO communications
products or installing cable plants.
- How do you design and manufacture
fiber optic systems? Choose and install one to serve your communications
needs? Troubleshoot problems? The FOA Fiber Optic Technical
Bulletins will provide step-by-step guidelines to help you.
All are PDF files you can print and use.
- Designing
and manufacturing fiber optic communications products for manufacturers.
- Choosing,
installing and using fiber optic products for users.
- Troubleshooting
fiber optic cable plants and communcations systems.
Does
Glass "Flow"? Is it really a liquid?
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
on General Topics and Testing
Fiber Or Copper? Making decisions,
overview and LANs
What
Happens When You Mate Mismatched MM Fibers?
-
- New PowerPoint Presentation
Introduces Fiber Optics - in English or Spanish!
- The FOA has created a short
PowerPoint presentation that introduces you to fiber optics and
talks about job opportunities in the field. It was intended for
instructors to introdcue studnets to the field, but it's a good
introduction for anyone. It's about 3 meg file so it takes a
while to download and you need PowerPoint to view it. See http://www.thefoa.org/ppt/
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- FOA Certification Top Choice
The FOA CFOT and CFOS programs continue to gain momentum in fiber
optics. Over 20,000 CFOTs have been certified by over 160 schools
as the FOA enters its 12th year. Since our founding in July,
1995, we have dedicated ourselves to promoting fiber optics and
professionalism in fiber optics personnel, focusing on education
and certification. We are continuing to add new schools and more
CFOTs as users of fiber optics learn that a CFOT is the indication
of a professional, well-trained fiber optic technician. Now with
FTTH (fiber to the home) finally taking off, demand for CFOTs
is rising and schools are responding by expanding programs rapidly.
- The FOA now has approved programs
at 160+ organizations, welcoming new additions like the Joint
Apprenticeship and Training Committee of the International Brotherhood
of Electrical Workers, Corning
Cable Systems and AFL
for their installation training programs and NASA's Goldstone
Tracking Station. The complete list of FOA-Approved schools is
at http://www.thefoa.org/foa_aprv.htm.
Your Name, CFOT - It pays
to advertise!
The FOA encourages CFOTs to use
the logo on their business cards, letterhead, truck or van, etc.
and provides logo
files on this site for that purpose. But we are also asked
about how to use the CFOT or CFOS certifications. Easy, you can
refer to yourself as "Your Name, CFOT" or "Your
Name, CFOS/T" for example.
Feel free to use the logo and
designations to promote your achievements and professionalism!
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