(Pictured, l-r) are Vice President Ben Stiegler, Treasurer Jimmy Ngo, Secretary Dekana St. Germain, President Matthew Durette and Nunez Chancellor Dr. Tina Tinney.
Photos Courtesy of Nunez Community College
Contributed by Nunez Community College
Nunez Community College in St. Bernard Parish is partnering with BDI DataLynk to offer three certification courses in Fiber Optics over the course of five days in September.
Job opportunities in the field of Fiber Optics are expected to grow across the country over the next decade as high-speed internet and communications become more common in both business and residential use. According to Ziprecruiter.com, the average Fiber Optic Technician salary is currently more than $50,000 per year, and salaries range up to nearly $75,000 per year.
Technicians can work in the field, installing networks at homes, businesses and throughout communities, or in manufacturing settings where Fiber Optic components and systems are created.
Past completers of the BDI DataLynk Fiber Optic Certification courses from across the country have praised the program’s heavy use of hands-on training and attention to individual students.
“This is one of the best if not the best certification courses I have ever taken. The hands-on sessions were very instrumental in preparing me for a job,” said Dennis K. of Dickinson, Texas.
“The one-on-one time with the students was great. The instructor spent a considerable amount of time with those that needed a little extra help on certain procedures,” said Morris M. of Kenetic, Okla.
Nunez and BDI DataLynk will begin certification courses with the introductory Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT) Certification Sept. 6-8, with classes running from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. This $875 course combines theory and hands-on activities to teach students to identify fiber types, recognize various connectors used in fiber installation, and install, terminate, splice, and properly test installed fiber cable to existing standards.
The CFOT course is also a prerequisite for the following certification courses.
On Sept. 9, Nunez will offer Fiber Optics Specialist in Testing and Maintenance (CFOS/T) Certification. A focal point in this $770 program is to offer a general, easy to understand approach to fiber optics testing standards with little theory and considerable hands-on activities. This comprehensive program explains the variety of testing standards, equipment and technological approaches used in fiber network testing and splicing and how to choose among them.
On Sept. 10, Nunez will offer Fiber Optics Specialist in Splicing (CFOS/S) Certification. This $770 program includes a complete PowerPoint presentation explaining the importance of high-performance splicing and further details the points necessary to achieve these splices.
More details about the Fiber Optics Program, including a Workforce Inquiry form, can be found at Nunez.edu/workforce/fiber-optics-program. Interested students may also contact Nunez STEAM Director Julie Rexford at jrexford@nunez.edu with questions.
In other Nunez Community College news, Nunez Community College installed its student leaders for the upcoming academic year on June 13 at its annual Student Government Association Induction Ceremony.
Nunez Chancellor Dr. Tina Tinney administered the oath of office to the four officers during a ceremony in the Fine Arts Center on the Nunez campus in Chalmette. Dr. Tinney shared 10 points for the newly elected officers to keep in mind to help them provide strong and sound leadership to the Nunez student body, including advice such as “Perform your duties in an impartial, apolitical and professional manner. Listen with the intent to understand.
“Holding an officer position should be taken seriously and can be compared to having a part-time job,” Dr. Tinney told the officers. “You will be called upon in numerous ways throughout your tenure as a representative to be the face of the Nunez student body.”
Nunez’s newly inducted SGA officers include President Matthew Durette, an Aerospace Manufacturing Technology major from Metairie; Vice President Benjamin Stiegler, an Aerospace Manufacturing Technology major from Youngsville; Treasurer Jimmy Ngo, a Welding and Business major from Chalmette; and Secretary Dekana St. Germaine, a General Studies and Business major from Arabi.
Matthew Durette was also elected by the Louisiana Council of Student Body Presidents in May to serve as a Student Representative for Community Colleges to the Louisiana Community and Technical College System Board of Supervisors.
Nunez Student Success Coach and SGA Advisor Michelle Roper, a former Nunez SGA President herself, summarized the responsibilities, expectations and perks of serving as an SGA officer.
“Firstly, congratulations to all the officers. I am extremely grateful that I get to work with an amazing group. This role is not to be taken lightly because you are now the face of the students of Nunez when you walk off campus,” said Roper. “You must always think of the students’ needs in this role. The biggest perk of this responsibility is being able to make a change when you see something that needs change. I am super proud and excited for this coming year!”
Registration for both the Summer Mini-Session B and the Fall semester is open now at Nunez.edu. Mini-Session B begins July 5 and the Fall semester begins Aug. 15.
Nunez Community College is a student-centered institution that delivers relevant and innovative curriculum integrating the arts, sciences, and humanities leading to academic credentials and workforce opportunities. Nunez serves a vital role in the community by engaging with partners to support student success and personal growth. Nunez Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas. Nunez is located at 3710 Paris Road, Chalmette.
Nunez Community College will offer three certification courses in Fiber Optics this September on its Chalmette campus: Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT), Fiber Optics Specialist in Testing and Maintenance (CFOS/T), and Fiber Optics Specialist in Splicing (CFOS/S).
