Feb 12
AWS Fusion Splicing Class Provides Skills Development and Growth
Feb. 12, 2026 – Jerrid Cade of Richmond County completed the two-day Fiber Optic Fusion Splicing Certificate course offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Sumitomo Electric Lightwave in October. On Wednesday, he was hired by Gaylor Electric.
“I went to the fiber optic fusion splicing class because I wanted to diversify my resume some. I know the industry in technology is changing a lot, and fiber optics is the way we are going with communications. I wanted to be up to speed on that so I’m not out of the loop,” Cade said.
Gaylor Electric offers design to build electrical construction, electrical support and utility service. Cade will start working with the company in late March to early April. He met with company representatives on Wednesday at the Wallbridge/AWS Talent & Career Fair held at the Cole Auditorium, along with other contractors working with AWS on the construction of the new data center in Hamlet.
AWS will hold another two-day fusion splicing course Feb. 16-17 from 8:30 to 5:30 p.m. each day at the Cole Auditorium located on Richmond Community College’s campus in Hamlet. There is no cost to attend, and breakfast and lunch will be provided each day. The course is limited to 30 participants.
Led by industry experts from Sumitomo Electric Lightwave, the training offers participants hands-on experience with advanced fiber optic tools and techniques, building practical skills in cabling and splicing. The two-day certificate course also includes a culminating ceremony and networking fair, giving learners the chance to connect with local fiber and tech infrastructure professionals.
Participants who complete the two days of training will receive an AWS Fiber Optic Fusion Splicing certificate, enhancing their credentials in a high-demand field.
“Skills development creates lasting benefits for local communities, which is why we’re committed to investing in workforce training wherever we operate,” stated Roger Wehner, VP of Economic Development for AWS. “Our AWS Fusion Splicing program opens new career paths for participants who learn fiber optic installation and maintenance.”
Fiber optic cables are the backbone of the modern world, carrying internet, TV, and telephone data. Fiber optic cables are made up of tiny glass tubes, which makes repairing and testing them specialized work.
For more information, contact RichmondCC Director of Program Development Angineek Gillenwater at (910) 410-1708 or ajgillenwater@richmondcc.edu. Use link above to register for the workshop.