ICN gives trainees the chance to visit the Capitol and have discussions on tech-related topics.
On April 8, the Ottumwa Job Corps’ Network Cable Installation (NCI) trainees had the chance to interact with Iowa Communications Network's (ICN) leadership team, view ICN's Broadband Information Center, learn about cybersecurity services specifically Firewall and DDoS Mitigation, and tour the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines. Last fall, ICN teamed up with the Ottumwa Job Corps Center’s NCI program to provide an exclusive mentoring opportunity for students called Peer to Career.
In addition to the events at the Capitol Complex, the NCI trainees visited LightEdge Solutions in Altoona, where they were given a tour of the local datacenter. During the visit, the trainees learned about colocation and cloud services, cabling, datacenter security, sensor technology, as well as the heating and cooling systems of the facility.
ICN’s Peer to Career program highlights the partnerships that the ICN has with the private sector, gives exposure to projects that rely on the statewide fiber optic network, provide infrastructure knowledge, and incorporate cybersecurity practices. The trainees meet monthly via video and hear about on-the-job experiences from a variety of industry experts, such as:
- ICN explained our robust and statewide infrastructure, discussed structured cabling and facilities, drilling, splicing, trenching, and the importance of fiber optics.
- ICN emphasized the significance of cybersecurity, safeguarding against security breaches, and ICN's DDoS Mitigation service.
- Fiberutilities Network Services educated the trainees on the essential training required for a career in the network services industry.
- Panduit discussed the importance of infrastructure, emphasizing the career opportunities and innovative products in the field.
- Microsoft Data Centers highlighted the infrastructure, construction, and cloud computing.
The day’s activities were filled with knowledge and experiences. To learn more about the ICN visit our website at icn.iowa.gov. To learn about programs offered at the Ottumwa Job Corps Center visit ottumwa.jobcorps.gov.
