Fiber Optic Training | Future Fiber Technicians | Corning

Maya Norvel 
Published: November 6, 2025

We are living in an incredible moment in history where every day we’re witnessing the future of global communications being built right in our own backyards. And it’s inspiring to see new people coming into our industry to be a part of something as big as connecting communities big and small with reliable high-speed fiber broadband.

Across the United States, there’s a growing demand for skilled fiber technicians. As the current workforce dynamics and broadband expansion accelerates under the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and BEAD programs, there is an urgent need to train the next generation of talent. To put it in perspective, data from the Fiber Broadband Association shows that over the next decade, our industry is going to need close to 100,000 new fiber optic technicians to account for retiring techs and the demand for fiber in more communities.

At Corning, as the inventor of low-loss optical fiber, we recognize this urgency and know how critical it is to form strong community relationships and collaborate on training initiatives. A new fiber optic technician training class at a community college in North Carolina exemplifies how we can work together to create career opportunities and connect the unconnected.

A community-based, hands-on approach to learning

Johnston Community College (JCC), located in Smithfield, North Carolina, recently showed off to the community how Corning’s Fiber Broadband Training Program  at the school can not only create job opportunities but support local economic growth too.

The course’s approach is both hands-on and accessible. Courses are typically 40 hours — short enough for working adults — and emphasize practical learning through network buildouts, equipment testing, and gamified modules. By the end of the course, students test their skills by doing a full network build. Instructors use that as a test instead of a handwritten assignment to make sure each learner can capably do the job. Classes are designed to make it easy for somebody that doesn't know anything about fiber to come in and get up to speed.

Each training initiative is tailored to the community. Some rely on Corning trainers to teach students, while others — like the program at JCC — use a “train-the-trainer” model, where Corning equips local instructors to deliver the program independently.

With a fast-growing job market for fiber optic technicians, the goal is to keep opportunity and economic growth within the community. When local residents are trained and hired to build and maintain their own networks, the benefits stay local.

Marc David, VP of Instruction at JCC described the importance of the training class saying in part “Part of our mission is to partner with business and industry to enhance economic development and improve the lives of citizens in Johnston County. Starting this Fiber Broadband Technician Program is a fulfillment of that mission.”

Lasting relationships lead to greater community impact

To date, Corning has trained more than 7,000 technicians since the start of our program in 2022. We have 23 programs at schools in more than a dozen states nationwide and more on the way, including a new training facility at Catawba Valley Community College in Western North Carolina. And it’s not just schools. Community organizations that focus on workforce development like Urban League and Dress For Success have also found success training people of all types of backgrounds to become fiber technicians. And it will take that type of commitment to help shape a sustainable, connected future for communities across the country.

Are you interested in getting trained as a fiber technician or bringing our program to your city? Fill out the form below to connect with Corning to explore the possibilities.