ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — College of The Albemarle (COA) is now enrolling for its Fall 2025 Fiber Optics Certification Course, which begins Sept. 23 and runs through Nov. 11. The course is offered in a blended format, combining online instruction with in-person sessions held on select Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at COA – Edenton-Chowan.

Independent fiber contractor Michael Crowe works with students Emmanuel Hantig and Chris Richardson (observing). Emmanuel is splicing a fiber optic cable for installation.

Led by retired Navy Chief and fiber optics expert Cache’ Hapner, the course provides hands-on training aligned with Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) certification standards. Students will learn to install, test and maintain fiber networks, skills that are in high demand across northeastern North Carolina and beyond.

“If you look around, fiber is being installed and expanded right here in our neighborhoods,” Hapner said. “However, once those crews finish the buildouts, we will need trained local citizens to maintain those networks and respond to outages. Now is the time to learn a skill that’s not only rooted in long-term employment, but also directly supports the growth and resilience of our communities.”

Altantsetseg “Alta” Batdorj is cleaving, cleaning, and prepping a fiber optic cable for splicing.

COA’s program is built in partnership with leading broadband industry employers, including FYBE, CenturyLink, Greenlight, PLP, Dura-Line, Clearfield, Corning, Swift, and others. The course is designed to ensure students are job-ready for today’s evolving infrastructure needs.

The course fee is $675, and scholarships are available for eligible students.

To register or learn more, call 252-335-0821 ext. 2250 or visit www.albemarle.edu/wdce.

For information or media inquiries, contact Tammy W. Sawyer, COA Director of Communications and Marketing, at [email protected] or 252-335-0821, ext. 2420.