Mentoring the Next Generation of Network Technicians
ICN has teamed up with the Ottumwa Job Corps Center’s Network Cable Installation (NCI) program to provide an exclusive mentoring opportunity for students. The program provides interaction between young adults and telecom manufacturers, installation, and service providers.
Students hear from industry experts explaining outside plant work, fiber optic cabling, network troubleshooting, facilities, and more. In addition, the program highlights the partnerships that the ICN has with the private sector, gives exposure to projects that rely on the statewide fiber optic network, provides infrastructure knowledge, and incorporates cybersecurity practices.
Network Cable Installation students from the Ottumwa Job Corps received hands-on training from telecom specialists from ICN.
Industry Expert Support
Our industry experts meet with the students on the second Monday of each month. Below is a recap of the topics and telecom knowledge discussed.
- Internal ICN groups covered a wide range of topics like the history of the ICN, our network, outside plant, structured cabling, public/private partnerships, security measures, and discussions on broadband technology.
- Fiberutilities Network Services educated the students on the essential training required for a successful career in the network services industry. Their expertise shed light on the various training programs accessible to those pursuing this path, emphasizing the significance of honing soft skills in the workplace. They also discussed the tools that technicians use and what to expect in this career path.
- RHT Technologies placed a strong emphasis on the value of technicians and installers working together. They also discussed how to run a small company in Iowa with a close-knit group of employees, emphasizing relationship- and team-building.
- Microsoft (West Des Moines datacenter) delved into the realm of data center careers, shedding light on their operations and why they like to build in Iowa. They talked about how there's a wide variety of career opportunities within a data center and how all of them work together to make things run smoothly.
- Lumen discussed the technician positions they offer, their core values, and stressed the significance of leaving a positive impression. They dug deeper into the various roles and duties within the company, highlighting the abundance of opportunities available to match each individual's skills and interests.
- Fortinet explored the intricacies of the cybersecurity sector and provided valuable tips about starting a career. They also explored the threat landscape, delving deeper into topics such as ransomware, cloud vulnerabilities, supply chain attacks, and more.
- FirstNet / AT&T The First Responder Network Authority, or the FirstNet Authority, is an independent agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) that oversees FirstNet, the nation’s communications network dedicated to emergency responders and the public safety community. The mission, as mandated by Congress, is to oversee the buildout, deployment, and operation of the nationwide public safety broadband network called FirstNet.
- Meta gave a virtual tour of their cutting-edge Altoona Data Center. The discussion covered a wide range of topics, including safety protocols, robotics, the value of workplace culture, and the unique challenges posed by Iowa's ever-changing weather conditions on day-to-day operations and installations.
MetroNet provided a fantastic behind-the-scenes look company and a "day in the life" of technicians. They demonstrated fiber splicing and answered student questions about interviews, certifications, and what it takes to get hired. This session highlighted that while certifications are important, soft skills like showing up to work on time, teamwork, patience, and a willingness to learn are crucial for success. This team also highlighted their strong work-life balance and team atmosphere.
OmniTel Communications' message included two core pillars for career success: 1) Easy to Teach: Staying humble and realizing that while you have the training, true mastery comes with time and experience. 2) Ready to Help: Being a team player who is willing to jump in, regardless of the challenge. From navigating different work ethics to communicating effectively with customers, being a team player is what truly makes a technician stand out.
Contact Lori Larsen for questions about the program.