FOUR OAKS, N.C. — (October 15, 2025) Johnston Community College, in collaboration with Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW), one of the world’s leading innovators in glass, ceramics, and optical physics, will introduce its new Fiber Optic Technician program at a reception on October 20 at the school’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Facility in Four Oaks. The event, in collaboration with the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce, highlights how the program will support the region’s growing fiber broadband infrastructure needs, while creating new pathways to high-demand careers.

The Fiber Optic Technician program provides hands-on learning in fiber installation, splicing, testing, and field deployment—skills that align directly with employer demand across Johnston County and beyond. The initiative builds on JCC’s collaboration with Corning, which has pioneered technologies that help accelerate broadband deployment, and the college’s preferred fiber broadband employer, Brightspeed, the nation’s third largest fiber builder, to strengthen local training capacity and accelerate workforce readiness.

“High-speed broadband is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity for learning, healthcare, and economic vitality,” said Dr. Vern L. Lindquist, JCC President. “By launching this Fiber Optic Technician program, JCC is ensuring our students and adult learners are prepared for careers that directly strengthen our communities and expand opportunities across the region.” 

The telecommunications industry is at a pivotal moment of growth fueled by the urgent need to provide broadband connection across rural America.  However, there’s a significant availability gap of skilled workers who can deploy and maintain fiber broadband networks. This joint initiative between Corning and JCC helps students gain access to high-quality, industry-driven training, fueling long-term workforce development in a rapidly expanding field. It also underscores Corning’s dedication to addressing the need for highly trained technicians for emerging broadband networks and JCC’s commitment to affordable training that leads to competitive employment and family-sustaining wages.

“At Corning, we believe that access to reliable, high-speed broadband is essential for driving economic growth and expanding opportunity in rural America,” said Bob Whitman, Vice President, Market and Product Strategy, Corning Optical Communications. “We’re proud to collaborate with JCC on this new hands-on program, leveraging our decades of experience in fiber optics to equip fiber trainers with the skills to educate the next generation of broadband technicians who will help connect the unconnected.”

“At Brightspeed, we’re investing not only in building the nation’s next-generation fiber network, but also in the people who will power it,” said Sabrina Anderson, local marketing manager at Brightspeed. “This program is a perfect example of how public and private collaboration can create real opportunities for local talent. We’re thrilled to support training that equips students and adult learners in our home state with the skills to launch meaningful good-paying careers ensuring the state can fully participate in the digital economy today and well into the future.”

The Fiber Optic Technician classes began at JCC earlier this month and will be offered twice more this academic year.