NCC Holds Fusion Splicing Training in Collaboration with Sumitomo and AWS

Northampton Community College (NCC) is continuing to empower Pennsylvania’s economy through skilled workforce development. The College recently hosted a Fiber Optic Fusion Splicing Certificate Course, a two-day training event held November 17–18 in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Sumitomo Electric Lightwave. The course provided participants with hands-on instruction in advanced fiber optic installation and repair, culminating in an industry-recognized Fusion Splicing Certificate. Thirty-nine individuals completed the program, gaining in-demand technical skills that prepare them for careers in the growing field of fiber optics. 

The free training—led by experts from Sumitomo Electric Lightwave—introduced learners to state-of-the-art tools, safety standards, and fiber optic technologies used in global telecommunications and data infrastructure. The event also featured a career networking session, connecting students directly with employers in the fiber optics and construction trades industries. 

Building Pennsylvania’s Workforce for a Data-Driven Economy 

This initiative is part of the larger ADVANCEPA Technology & Trades Workforce Consortium, a collaborative effort among Northampton, Bucks County, Lehigh Carbon, and Luzerne Community Colleges. The consortium was formed to meet the urgent workforce needs driven by Amazon’s $20 billion investment in cloud computing and AI data centers across Pennsylvania.  

As demand rises for specialists in construction, electrical systems, HVAC, and fiber optics, NCC is leading efforts to expand access to high-quality technical training that directly supports the state’s growing digital infrastructure. Through programs like the Fusion Splicing Course, NCC is creating pathways from classroom learning to high-wage, high-skill employment, positioning Pennsylvania as a national leader in technology trades education. 

“AWS has long believed in the power of skills training and its positive, long-term impact on our employees, customers, partners, and communities,” said Roger Wehner, Director of Economic Development for AWS. “Through the AWS Fusion Splicing Course, we’re thrilled to help open new opportunities and career pathways for participants. Technicians skilled in installing and repairing fiber optics will be prepared to perform the critical jobs building the infrastructure needed to wire the country for the digital world.” 

Connecting Students to Opportunity 

Through this collaboration, NCC, AWS, and Sumitomo Electric Lightwave brought free, accessible technical education to the Lehigh Valley—open to anyone interested in entering the fiber optics industry. 

“By working collaboratively to understand industry needs, we’re creating opportunities for students to power our community. Most of the jobs required to maintain the infrastructure that is coming to this part of PA will be with local companies. Together, we’re building a workforce ready to thrive in several areas, including fiber optics and telecommunications, construction and skill trades, power and energy, and more,” said Dave Ruth, president of Northampton Community College. 

Certified graduates left the program ready to apply their new skills in the field and were connected with potential employers during an on-site networking event that included Dycom Industries, Inc. (Ervin Cable Construction), AWS Metro Fiber, Next Mile Tech (Celerity Integrated Services), The Fiber School, Lambert's Cable Splicing, and LightPath Technologies. County Executive, Lamont McClure also attended to show support for workforce development and economic innovation in the Lehigh Valley. 

“NCC is a place where innovation starts. This college is so forward thinking when it comes to classes, programs, and certificates, like this one, that really do provide an engine for our local economy," said McClure. 

Fiber Optics: Powering the Modern Economy 

Fiber optic installation and repair is a vital and sought-after skill in a world more reliant on the constant and powerful flow of data. Fiber optic cables are the backbone of the modern world, carrying internet, TV, and telephone data, which makes repairing and testing them specialized work. Just this year, Amazon announced Future Ready 2030, expanding the company’s skills training goal to prepare 50 million people for the future of work. 

To learn more about the AWS Fusion Splicing program, visit AWS Fusion Splicing Certificate website.