Pictured: LUS Fiber Director Ryan Meche, Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory, SLCC Chancellor Dr. Vincent June, and LCG Chief Administrative Officer Cydra Wingerter
LUS Fiber has proudly joined hands with South Louisiana Community College (SLCC) to support the growth of a skilled workforce in the field of Fiber Optic Technology. LUS Fiber recognizes that an investment in SLCC is an investment in the future of Lafayette and beyond. This collaborative initiative underscores our commitment to nurturing local talent and preparing them for the jobs of the future.
The Fiber Optic Technician Program at South Louisiana Community College is a pivotal stepping stone towards shaping the workforce of tomorrow. This intensive 20-week program comprehensively covers various facets of fiber optic technology, encompassing everything from construction to in-home fiber installation. Designed with a forward-thinking approach, the program incorporates multiple industry-based credentials that are crucial for individuals aiming to excel in this rapidly evolving industry.
LUS Fiber, a pioneer in cutting-edge fiber optic technology and a firm believer in community empowerment, has donated $40,000 to this program. This contribution exemplifies LUS Fiber's commitment to fostering growth, innovation, and sustainability within Lafayette and the surrounding regions.
"LUS Fiber is proud to invest in workforce development and successful pathways for keeping students here in Acadiana following their graduation,” shares Ryan Meche, P.E., Director of LUS Fiber. “We commend SLCC for launching the Fiber Optic Technician Program so that our community is empowering students with the resources and skills they need for successful careers and also providing a highly trained workforce for the future of broadband.”
Steven Mathews, Vice President of Workforce and Economic Development at South Louisiana Community College, expressed his enthusiasm about this partnership, stating, "This collaboration with LUS Fiber represents a significant milestone for SLCC. We believe that education is the cornerstone of a prosperous community, and LUS Fiber’s donation will enable us to equip our students with the knowledge and expertise required to excel in the fiber optic industry. Together, we are contributing to the growth and economic development of Lafayette and the entire region."
“South Louisiana Community College’s Fiber Optic Technician Program provides the necessary foundation for a career at one of the nation’s best municipally owned telecoms,” said Mayor-President Josh Guillory, “This program is a testament to the power of collaboration, in which public entities join together for the greater good, reinforcing the idea that investing in education and workforce development is a critical factor in driving progress and ensuring a vibrant future for Lafayette and its residents.”
Construction on the broadband expansion project, announced by the federal government in 2022, will connect rural areas to broadband access. Two million feet of fiber optic and broadband cable will leave Lafayette, run north to Evangeline Parish and south to Vermilion and rural areas in between. Telecommunications and wireless industries are struggling to fill jobs to build out infrastructure. Some industry estimates show an upward of 100,000 jobs being available nationwide. Within a few months of training, graduates can start these new positions with salaries beginning at $60,000. In the Lafayette region, these telecommunications jobs are considered 4-Star jobs from the Louisiana Workforce Commission, with average salaries around $26/hour.