IRSC And Precision Contracting Join Forces For Fiber Optic Training
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 5, 2017 (rev)
For More Information:
Michelle Abaldo, mabaldo@irsc.edu
(772) 519-1123
IRSC AND PRECISION CONTRACTING JOIN FORCES FOR FIBER OPTIC TRAINING
Use a cell phone and you’re connected by fiber optics, the backbone of telecommunications. Installing fiber in 14 states, Precision Contracting Services, Inc., (PCS) is a Florida based business forging a partnership with Indian River State College to build a pipeline of skilled technicians.
“It has gotten harder and harder to get qualified people,” notes Donald Hawkins, PCS Vice-President. “With IRSC’s program we have the opportunity to pick someone who has been trained in accordance with our input.”
Owned by Cindy Boyd and Sara Boyd, PCS recently hired three May IRSC graduates from the Electronics Engineering Technology program, Nathan Smith, Cesar Rodriguez and George Liscio
“I love the challenges of the work and doing a different task every day,” said Navy veteran Liscio, 29, of Port St. Lucie.
All three fiber optics technicians cite the excitement they feel working in technology linked to the future of communications.
“I was attracted to the career because of the importance of fiber optics and how it influences everyday life, said Smith, 22, of Port St. Lucie.
Students can earn the two year Associate in Science Degree and gain knowledge and skills in electronics, lasers and fiber optics in accordance with the latest industry standards.
In addition to serving as subject matter experts, PCS donated material and design for the Fiber Laboratory in the College’s high-tech Brown Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Main Campus in Fort Pierce.
“Students do the same test scenario in the lab that they will do on the job,” explained Hawkins, an IRSC alumnus who earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees and has contributed to the electronics industry for over 40 years. “It’s neat that IRSC and our business model are so closely aligned,” Hawkins added.
IRSC students also gain exposure to all aspects of the industry from the end user to manufacturers and distributors.
“Our plan is to use the connection to IRSC to continue to support employment in the future,” said Matt Davis, Director of Marketing for the woman-owned family business.
Aspects of the successful program have been incorporated by LASER-TEC, a regional center increasing the number of skilled laser and fiber optics technicians. Based at IRSC and funded by National Science Foundation grants, LASER-TEC partners with 21 colleges and universities and 147 companies to strengthen training to meet industry demand. Taking advantage of their association with LASER-TEC, PCS collaborates with a college in North Carolina where they operate another facility.
IRSC also partners with other technology companies, including Laser Components, Harris Corporation, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and more. For more information, contact Indian River State College at www.irsc.edu or 1-866-792-4772.
INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE is a public, comprehensive college with a nationally recognized commitment to helping students succeed. The College was selected out of 1,000 colleges nationwide as a Finalist with Distinction for the prestigious 2017 Aspen Prize for Excellence and has been designated an Achieving the DreamTM college for support of students from enrollment to employment. Over 30,000 people enroll in IRSC courses each year, attracted by the College’s combination of quality, convenience and affordable tuition. IRSC is designated as the 3rd Most Affordable College in the country by the U.S. Department of Education, and students benefit from many scholarship and financial aid opportunities.
Every aspect of IRSC is focused on helping students succeed with small classes, an array of student support services, convenient campuses, and online courses. IRSC offers over 100 programs, including Bachelor’s degrees, Associate in Arts degrees for continuing education at IRSC or a university, Associate in Science degrees for in-demand careers after two years of training, short-term certificate programs and Quick Job Training. Campuses are located in Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, Okeechobee and Stuart, Florida.