Preparing the next generation of telecom professionals requires moving beyond the classroom and diving straight into real-world, hands-on training. On June 3, the Iowa Communications Network (ICN) was thrilled to host an action-packed, interactive training day for the network cabling installation (NCI) students from the Ottumwa Job Corps.
The day gave students an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to operate and maintain a statewide, high-speed fiber optic network.
A Day of Hands-On Learning and Mentorship
The group kicked off the day with a mix of Iowa history and teamwork. The students walked over to the Iowa State Capitol for a tour of the stunning building. It was also a great learning moment, as they observed firsthand the process of preserving a historic building and outfitting it with the modern cabling needed for today's Internet, Wi-Fi networks, and emergency communications services.
In the afternoon, students heard from our ICN experts across key areas:
- Mapping the Network: Students visited ICN’s Broadband Information Center (BRIC) and learned about the many network sites with backup power, how weather can affect the infrastructure, and how the team views and monitors the ticketing system. These important components are all used to monitor critical connectivity across the entire State.
- Fiber Optics and Outside Plant: ICN experts Chris and Mike showed various examples of fiber optic cables, even sharing a look at a cable chewed through by a rodent. After explaining the industry color-coding system, they led a hands-on activity where students practiced splicing the cables together. This quickly became a major highlight of the day, turning into a fun competition among the students to see who could accomplish the perfect splice.
- Onsite in the Field: Ron and Convell from FiberUtilities Network Services explained how they troubleshoot network alarms, perform routine maintenance, and test backup batteries with equipment in their truck. They also showed off the specialized gear they use when they are sent out on emergency repair calls.
- Behind the Scenes on the Capitol Complex: Tyler from ICN’s cabling team took the students on a tour of the Capitol Complex to show how emergency backup systems keep elevators and fire panels connected. Students visited a telecom closet to see how cables and switches connect an entire building, toured the main distribution room where all statewide connections meet, and even made a test call from an elevator to ensure public safety systems were working perfectly.
Empowering Tomorrow's Tech Workforce
The day’s activities gave Ottumwa Job Corps students a glimpse into the telecom field. Our ICN mentors shared valuable, real-world pointers from their own careers, such as the importance of labeling equipment and how to listen for the "squeak" when preparing fiber for splicing.
ICN is proud to support the Ottumwa Job Corps with its Peer to Career program and invest in the bright futures of these talented students. Based on the curiosity and skill displayed throughout the day, the future of Iowa’s technology workforce is in capable hands.
In 2023, ICN teamed up with the Ottumwa Job Corps Center to develop the Peer to Career initiative. This program highlights the partnerships that ICN has with the private sector, gives exposure to projects that rely on the statewide fiber optic network, and provides infrastructure knowledge. The student trainees meet monthly via video and hear about on-the-job experiences from a variety of industry experts.
