Morrison Institute of Technology is proud to be an RTI provider for the first Fiber Tech apprenticeship program in Illinois and one of the first in the nation. Teaming up with the Illinois Department of Labor, Fiber Broadband Association, Business Employment Skills Team (BEST), Whiteside County Economic Development and others; Morrison Tech was able to implement the program in less than 12 months.

Demand for Program

The need for skilled technicians in the fiber industry is exploding with the current movements to provide infrastructure and digital equity.  There is a current shortage in both workforce training opportunities and appropriate credentialing for current employees in the industry. As a recognized leader in IT education and a conscientious steward of our regional community Morrison Tech was an obvious choice for piloting this new coursework.

Apprenticeship Enrollment

Apprentices are enrolled through the local service provider as an employee. The apprenticeship would have two elements; 1) On the job training (2000 hours) 2) Related Technical Instruction. Related technical instruction is open to anyone who meets the admissions requirements for coursework at Morrison Institute of Technology.  Local Service Providers have indicated they will give priority to employment candidates who have completed the Related Technical Instruction for the program.

FT 110 Fiber Optic Safety Materials and Splicing

Topics include optical fiber safety considerations and an introduction to the types and characteristics of optical fiber used in communication systems such as common network architectures, cable connections and cable preparation. Additional topics focus on the cable splicing process, including cable splicer types, fiber structure, the splicing process, troubleshooting splice connections, splicing diagrams and the importance of documentation when working on or with fiber optic communication networks.

FT 120 Fiber Optic Installation, Testing and Troubleshooting

Instruction covers the preparation, set-up and testing associated with installing fiber optic pedestals including pole and aerial mounts. The concepts of optical budgeting, fiber length, pulse width, wavelengths, dead zones, ghosts and other anomalies are investigated. A review on the importance of labeling, documentation and fiber identification along with additional material on fault location, fiber bends, breaks and relevant software. Related material covers residential single and multi-unit fiber installation including indoor and outdoor wiring along with relevant instruction on precautions and procedures to avoid existing plumbing, wiring and other installation hazards and pitfalls. The importance of customer service and professional standards are also addressed.