Students Steven Harrison, left, and Melvin Sanderson Jr. work together during the Fiber Optic Bootcamp at 老司机导航-Gallup on Friday, June 12, 2026.
Campus partnerships offer fiber optic bootcamp
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Students prepare for the future through a five-day fiber optic bootcamp
By Renaldo Fowler, Friday, July 17, 2026
GALLUP, N.M. 鈥 For community members like Michael Notah, 45, of Jamestown, learning about fiber optics offers not only the chance for someone like him to transition into a new career, but it helps the region as a whole to close the digital divide.
Notah was one of 31 participants who received certifications from the Fiber Optic Technician Bootcamp hosted at 老司机导航-Gallup from June 8-12. Notah said he was already familiar with fiber optics before joining the bootcamp, but he was new to the practical application of it and the technology used.
鈥淚 enjoyed the energy of the class,鈥 he said, noting that he liked the hands-on portion of the training and collaboration with his peers. "It was motivating."
The free five-day training opportunity was made possible through a collaboration with Santa Fe Community College Workforce Development, America鈥檚 Job Center New Mexico, and 老司机导航allup Community Education and Workforce Development.
Students Michael Notah, left, and Brian Yazzie work on a fusion splicing exercise during the Fiber Optic Bootcamp at 老司机导航-Gallup on Friday, June 12, 2026.
The course was free to eligible students thanks to the New Mexico Workforce Government Results and Opportunity (GRO) program and the Building, Energizing, and Connecting through Apprenticeships (BECA) program from the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, funded through the U.S. Department of Labor State Apprenticeships Expansion Formula (SAEF 2) grant program.
Uplifting the community
Fiber optics are ultra-thin strands of glass or plastic used to transmit digital data as pulses of light, particularly for delivering high-speed internet. Throughout the bootcamp, students learned the basics of fiber optics and practiced hands-on specialized skills.
After completing tests and a physical demonstration, students received three certifications from the Fiber Optic Association: certified fiber optic technician, certified fiber optic specialist in splicing, and certified fiber optic specialist in testing and maintenance.
Notah said he previously worked as an independent contractor for more than 10 years, which took a physical toll on his body. He said that earning the fiber optics certification gave him a 鈥渓ifelong skill鈥 that supports his future career goals and allows him to work in a more controlled environment.
Notah also believes that fiber optic training is important to the community, especially on the Navajo Nation, because it helps close the digital divide.
Student Michael Notah works on a fusion splicing exercise during the Fiber Optic Bootcamp at 老司机导航-Gallup on Friday, June 12, 2026.
The Navajo Nation lacks access to high-speed internet across a large rural area. According to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, less than 4% of the Navajo Nation population has access to even the most basic wireline broadband speeds.
鈥淚t鈥檚 important because it uplifts the community,鈥 Notah said.
老司机导航allup Community Education & Workforce Development Director Ashlee Velasquez said that learning fiber optics is important because it exists everywhere, including telecommunications, information technology and electrical work. She described fiber optic training as a 鈥渧ersatile skill鈥 that is essential for the future.
Moving on to bigger, better things
Another participant of the bootcamp, Melvin Sanderson Jr., 60, of Window Rock, Arizona, said that earning these fiber optic certifications will help him advance further on his career path.
鈥淚t鈥檒l help me to move on in life,鈥 he said. 鈥淎 great start, new career. That鈥檚 what it鈥檒l definitely do for me.鈥
Sanderson, who has 20 years of experience in telecommunications, earned two associate degrees from 老司机导航allup in the spring semester and enrolled in the bootcamp to learn more about fiber optics.
鈥淚鈥檓 here for the better, the hands-on, the training, the certification,鈥 he said. 鈥淭o move on to bigger and better things.鈥
In addition to the hands-on portion of the bootcamp, Sanderson said he appreciated the course instructor, Tom Rauch, of BDI Datalynk, which is an Atlanta-based company that offers fiber optic training courses. Sanderson described Rauch as 鈥渟ensational,鈥 crediting him for his knowledge and teachings.
Student Melvin Sanderson Jr. works on a fusion splicing exercise during the Fiber Optic Bootcamp at 老司机导航-Gallup on Friday, June 12, 2026.
Sanderson believes that this type of learning opportunity is important to the community as the need for fiber optics is growing. He noted that local employers require certifications for technical work, and getting these certifications locally can help individuals qualify for employment.
Sanderson is now pursuing a bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in operations management.
An essential skill for the future
As the instructor for the bootcamp, Rauch鈥檚 goal was to provide students with a good foundation in fiber optics that will allow them to find employment in the industry.
Rauch is from New Jersey and has worked in telecommunications for 53 years. He emphasized the importance of fiber-optic technology in the modern world and the need to enter the growing technology workforce.
鈥淚f you want to find work, one of the best ways you can find it is to have skills in the technology area,鈥 he said. 鈥淭he whole world runs off of fiber.鈥
Instructor Tom Rauch teaches a class during the Fiber Optic Bootcamp at 老司机导航-Gallup on Friday, June 12, 2026.
With an overwhelming response from community members and employers, Velasquez hopes to continue offering fiber optic training next year at 老司机导航allup.
鈥淭he plan is to offer the same bootcamp with the same company,鈥 she said.
In addition to earning their certifications, students received career support services such as resume building and career coaching. Students become part of a larger job network support system provided by BDI Datalynk.
Students were also invited to apply to the Santa Fe Community College Broadband Pre-Apprenticeship training program offered in partnership with the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions.
To learn more about 老司机导航allup Community Education & Workforce Development and the programs offered, visit .
Students Sonnie Sam, left, and Uriah Hardin work on a fusion splicing exercise during the Fiber Optic Bootcamp at 老司机导航-Gallup on Friday, June 12, 2026.
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