Media Contact:
Laura Byrnes, APR, CPRC, FCWP
Director of Communications
O: 352-291-9559 | M: 352-816-1264
[email protected]

OCALA, Fla. (Sept. 1, 2026) – Those hungry for a new career are invited to attend one of five upcoming Splices and Slices information sessions to learn about fiber optics training.

The open-house styled sessions take place each Thursday from Sept. 17 through Oct. 15 from 4-6 p.m. at the College of Central Florida Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus, 15390 US-19, Chiefland. Splices and Slices are hosted by CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion in partnership with CF. Pizza and beverages will be provided.

Those interested in attending one of the sessions should register by calling 800-434-JOBS, ext. 4206 or sending an email to [email protected].

“If you’ve ever wondered what a future in broadband telecommunications may be like, then drop by, grab a slice and find out how you can become a fiber optics technician,” said Michele Shulze, CareerSource CLM’s Creating Connections broadband program coordinator. The bootcamp is available to residents of Levy, Dixie and Gilchrist counties.

Program representatives will be on hand at each Open House to answer questions about the next one-week Fiber Optics Bootcamp which takes place in November at CF’s Levy campus.

“True to any ‘open house,’ Splices and Slices is fairly informal, you can stop by anytime during the two-hour session to learn about the fiber optics training and explore career opportunities in a high-demand, growing industry that keeps communities connected,” Shulze said.

For eligible participants, the one-week bootcamp features:

• Hands-on training with fiber optic cable, patch panels and test equipment
• Ability to earn three industry recognized certifications at no cost (a $3,350 value)
• Job placement support in broadband telecommunications
• Wrap-around services such as travel assistance, uniforms and tools of the trade

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. 

To register for one of the information sessions or for more information about enrolling in the training program, 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 $7.8 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 those 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. 

College of Central Florida offers equal access and opportunity in employment, admissions and educational activities. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies contact the Title IX Coordinator at 352-291-4410 or [email protected]. Visit CF.edu/TitleIX for details.