Essential Optic Fibre Skills
Introduction:
The internet has become an essential part of our daily lives, from streaming movies to running businesses. To
meet the increasing demand for faster and more reliable internet services, telecommunication companies are turning to optic fibre technology and other reliable high-bandwidth wireless communication technologies. Optic fibre is a type of cable that uses glass or plastic fibres to transmit data via light signals which makes it highly reliable and extremely fast. With the increasing demand for optic fibre technology, the need for professionals skilled in optic fibre installation and maintenance is also on the rise. In this blog, we’ll explore the global and South African demand for optic fibre skills, employment trends, career options, and the importance of enrolling in optic fibre courses.
Global and South African Demand:
As mentioned earlier, the demand for optic fibre professionals is increasing globally due to the growing need 
for high-speed internet. In South Africa, the demand for optic fibre professionals is also on the rise. According to the South African National Broadband Forum, the government aims to have 90% of the population connected to high-speed internet by 2030. This an ambitious goal, if the economy grows at an acceptable rate, this will lead to a surge in optic fibre installation and maintenance projects across the country, over the past two years one already saw a big inter-provincial rollout of backbone fibre. The next is supposed to be intracity and FTTx rollout as communities engage in smart cities, and apply more Internet of Things solutions (IoT), Fibre to the home (FTTH) and other 4IR-related applications. This will create a need for more professionals skilled in optic fibre technology.
Employment Trends:
The demand for optic fibre professionals in South Africa is reflected in the employment trends in the industry. According to the South African Optic Fibre Association, the optic fibre industry has seen an average annual growth rate of 25% over the past few years. The association also reports that there is a shortage of skilled optic fibre professionals in the country, leading to an increase in salaries for those with the necessary skills.
Career Options:
Professionals skilled in optic fibre installation and maintenance have several career options available to them in South Africa. These include:
- Optic Fibre Technician: An optic fibre technician installs and maintains optic fibre cables and equipment.
- Optic Fibre Splicer: An optic fibre splicer is responsible for splicing and terminating optic fibre cables.
- Optic Fibre Engineer: An optic fibre engineer designs and plans optic fibre networks and ensures their smooth functioning.
- Network Administrator: A network administrator manages and maintains computer networks, including optic fibre networks.
According to Electronic Communications Network, “The technological advancements happening in the telecommunications space are vast, and that means investing in constant training to ensure the workforce is adequately skilled for what is to come. Without such investment, telecommunications companies will risk falling behind competitors with superior skills and market proficiency. Modern organisations aren’t simply looking for cutting-edge telecommunications, they want customised solutions that meet their unique requirements. Telecoms that aren’t providing this are likely to get left behind.”
Conclusion:
The global and South African demand for high-speed internet is increasing, and telecommunication companies are turning to optic fibre technology to meet this demand. The demand for professionals skilled in optic fibre installation and maintenance is also increasing. The South African government aims to have 90% of the population connected to high-speed internet by 2030. This will create a surge in optic fibre installation and maintenance projects across the country. Professionals skilled in optic fibre technology have several career options available to them in South Africa. These include optic fibre technician, optic fibre splicer, optic fibre engineer, and network administrator. The choice is yours whether you want to invest now and be ready or at the time economy picks up. Each option has its pros and cons. Optic Fibre skills like all emerging skills are global.
Call to Action:
If you’re interested in a career in the optic fibre industry in South Africa. Consider enrolling in optic fibre courses offered by Supreme ICT Academy. These courses cover essential skills required to excel in the optic fibre industry, including optic fibre installation, maintenance, and safety. Gain the skills and knowledge required to meet the increasing demand for optic fibre professionals in South Africa. Visit https://supremeictacademy.co.za/courses-page-2/ to learn more and enrol in an optic fibre course today!
