Amazon Web Services Paves The Way For A New Workforce

In October 2024, Ivy Tech hosted the first of many Fiber Optic Workshops with Amazon Web Services. Amazon Web Services is planning the company’s $11 Billion data center in New Carlisle, Indiana. Officials say Amazon’s new center will result in at least 1,000 new jobs and represents the largest capital investment in Indiana History. With two days of intense training at Ivy Tech Community College, Amazon is paving the way for a future workforce trained in Fiber Optic Splicing. Fusion splicing is the process in which fiber optic cables are connected by heat, a process often used in data centers. Instructors say the need for fiber optic technicians has increased due to the many data centers across the St. Joseph County area. Even if candidates who graduated from the course are hired by other contractors, Amazon is committed to grow a new workforce in these type fields. These workshops are open for all ages and offer invaluable experience for an upcoming workforce in our area.

Some students expressed how excited they were that Amazon and Ivy Tech were making these workshops available to the public. One student was starting a new job the week after the training and another veteran of the trade expressed increased confidence at revisiting a the basics that he said were taught to him over 20 years ago. A ceremony providing certifications was hosted at the end of the program where Vice Chancellor of Campus Operations, Lisa Wenzel, and Chancellor, Patrick Englert, congratulated each graduate on their accomplishment. To learn more about local jobs for technicians, attend the Manufacturing Job Fair on Feb. 25th from 3p-6p at Ivy Tech Community College.