LTC Students Repair Fiber Optic Line

     Students from the Outside Plant Construction and Fiber Optics courses at Lincoln Trail College recently had the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to an actual job in the field.  Under the direction of Lead Telecommunications Instructor Chris Teague, the students repaired a fiber optic Internet line from Robinson High School to Nuttall Middle School in Robinson.

     The project allowed the students to experience all phases of an actual repair job.  This included calling J.U.L.I.E., obtaining necessary permits, engineering the job, specifying and ordering materials, installation, fiber splicing, testing, and site reclamation.  As part of the project, students learned to use a vibratory cable plow and backhoe to install about 600 feet of fiber optic cable, splice tubs, and signage.  They also used a fusion type splicing machine to splice the fiber after hours just as they would in a real world situation.

      A total of 8 LTC students assisted in the project: Celeste Baud, Jachin Clark, Kellie Gauger, Dalron Koontz, Brian Price, Gage Tucker, Josh Voges, and Alex Wallace. Unit 2 appreciates the cooperative relationship that exists with Lincoln Trail College.