Media Contact:
Laura Byrnes, APR, CPRC, FCWP
Director of Communications
O: 352-291-9559 | M: 352-816-1264
[email protected]
OCALA, Fla. (Sept. 30, 2025) – CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion’s next Creating Connections fiber optics training is set to get under way for those interested in securing high-paying, in-demand careers in broadband telecommunications.
The Creating Connections project is designed to train individuals to help fill broadband positions for companies providing high-speed internet for approximately 70,000 residents and businesses in rural counties.
Training begins Oct. 27 for fiber-optics technicians and installers with a one-week boot camp at the College of Central Florida Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus, 15390 U.S. Hwy 19 north of Chiefland.
Additional boot camps are slated to take place in February and May.
The program, administered by CareerSource CLM in collaboration with CareerSource North Florida and CareerSource North Central Florida, provides free training to residents of Levy, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor and Union counties.
Participants receive hands-on training with patch panels, fiber optic cable and test equipment as well as the opportunity to earn three industry standard certifications which typically cost $2,785. The program also provides wrap-around supportive services such as travel assistance, uniforms, and needed tools of the trade.
Michele Schulze, CareerSource CLM’s Creating Connections grant coordinator, said that to date more than 50 students have successfully completed the training.
“With hard work and dedication, we have seen fiber technicians move to project managers in less than a year,” Schulze said, adding that those willing to travel can benefit from company vehicles, per diems, and overtime pay.
“We have two currently employed who graduated from Levy High School in 2024 and are earning hourly wages of $25 an hour with overtime pay at $37.50 an hour for up to 20 hours each week.”
Funding for Creating Connections comes from a $1.73 million grant that is part of the federal Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs program.
The fiber optics training is conducted by BDI DataLynk, a standards-based company offering Fiber Optic Association (FOA) sanctioned fiber optics network technician training. FOA is the largest professional fiber optics society in the world.
Residents of Levy, Dixie, Gilchrist and other eligible counties who are interested in enrolling in the program or learning more should call 800-434-JOBS, ext. 4206 or email [email protected].
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CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion is a member of CareerSource Florida and a proud partner of the American Job Center network. CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion is supported by the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and other agencies as part of awards totaling $9.4 million (revised annually). Unless otherwise stipulated, all statements, news releases, requests for proposals, bid solicitations and other applicable documents are fully funded from federal sources.
CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities and in Spanish. All voice telephone numbers listed above may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711. If you need accommodations, call 800-434-5627, ext. 7878 or e-mail [email protected]. Please make request at least three business days in advance. Stay connected with CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.