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Arkansas Fiber Academy

Accelerated training programs for jobs in broadband and telecom industries

Build broadband.
Build your future.

We offer comprehensive and accelerated programs that train you to become an aerial lineman, fiber optic technician, telecommunications tower technician, or underground drilling technician.

Your Path to a Career in Broadband and Telecommunications

GRAPHIC:  An wifi logo overlaying a State of Arkansas icon

High-speed internet is no longer a luxury, it is a necessary way of life.

As a rural state, it is even more important that Arkansans have the same opportunities as citizens in urban areas. Now that we are making strides to bring broadband to every corner of the state,
we need workers to build and implement the infrastructure.

Your Path to a Career in Broadband and Telecommunications

Aerial Lineman

Classroom and hands-on field experiences equip students with working knowledge of established aerial plant installation procedures and techniques for placing fiber, cable, poles, anchors, and ancillary components, along with the ability to use the required installation equipment. As well as adequate skills using the appropriate hand tools, equipment, and fleet required to build successful aerial plants, and the ability to read and understand prints/maps, safety rules, and operating instructions.

Location: University of Arkansas Cossatot in DeQueen, 183 College Drive, DeQueen AR 71832

Program Length: 4 weeks | M,T,W,Th | 07:00 AM - 06:00 PM (1-hour lunch)

Cost: Free to eligible participants.  The cost of the training is underwritten by a grant from the Office of Skills Development.

Program Website >>

STEP ONE: Choose a Broadband Industry Specialty Program

Fiber Network Engineer

This program is co-designed with industry partners to ensure students understand and master fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) networks, routing, and switching. Practical labs, hands-on experiences, and guest lectures by industry experts are integrated into this 15-week program to give students a real-world understanding of how their learning applies outside the classroom and insights into the latest developments in FTTH technology.

Location: University of Arkansas Cossatot in Lockesburg, 1248 E Main, Lockesburg, AR 71846

Program Length: 15 weeks | M,T,W,Th | 08:00 AM - 04:30 PM (1-hour lunch)

Cost: Free to eligible participants.  The cost of the training is underwritten by a grant from the Office of Skills Development.

Program Website >>

Telecommunication Tower Technician

This program utilizes an in-class and hands-on curriculum designed in partnership with industry; participants can complete the training needed to safely climb, install, and repair telecommunications equipment atop towers sometimes exceeding 200 feet in height.

Location: ASU Three Rivers Saline County Career Technical Campus in Benton, Arkansas
13600 I-30, Benton AR 72015

Program Length: 4 weeks | M,T,W,Th | 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Cost: Free to eligible participants.  The cost of the training is underwritten by a grant from the Office of Skills Development.

Program Website >>

Underground Drilling Technician

Utilizing a curriculum designed by industry, participants have the opportunity to complete the training needed to operate and maintain horizontal directional drilling equipment safely. Utility companies use this process to install pipes, conduits, or cables underground without digging trenches.

Location: UA Community College Morrilton in Morrilton, Arkansas, 1537 University Drive, Morrilton AR 72110

Program Length: 160 hours (4 weeks) | MTWRF | 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Cost: Free to eligible participants.  The cost of the training is underwritten by a grant from the Office of Skills Development.

Program Website >>

STEP TWO: Complete your training at one of these program locations

We’re training YOU to put broadband on the map!

A.Telecommunication Tower Technician at ASU Three Rivers Saline County Career Technical Campus in Benton, Arkansas
ADDRESS:
13600 I-30, Benton, AR 72015

B. Aerial Lineman at University of Arkansas Cossatot, DeQueen Campus
ADDRESS:
183 College Drive, DeQueen, AR 71832
C. Fiber Network Engineer at
University of Arkansas Cossatot, Lockesburg Campus
ADDRESS:
1248 E Main, Lockesburg, AR 71846

STEP THREE: Find Employment with a State Telecommunication Company

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