Ivy Tech and Amazon Team Up for Hands-On Fusion Splicing Workshop

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South Bend, Ind. — Ivy Tech Community College and Amazon have partnered to host a two-day workshop on fusion splicing, a critical skill in fiber optic technology. The event, which began on Wednesday, is part of Amazon’s broader initiative to bolster the local workforce as they build a data center near New Carlisle.

Fusion splicing, the process of connecting fiber optic cables using heat, is vital for data centers that now operate as expansive, interconnected campuses. "You have machines in one building that need to communicate with machines in another building, sometimes a kilometer away. Optical cables are essential for this," explained Dwayne Holst, the workshop's instructor.

With the surge in data center construction, the demand for skilled fiber optic technicians has grown. Amazon’s workshop aims to fill this gap by offering hands-on training, preparing participants for careers as fusion splicing technicians. While hosted by Amazon, the skills gained in the workshop are transferable, and participants may work for a variety of contractors, not limited to Amazon.

"This two-day class gives them the foundation to start on-the-job training, and within months, they can begin working as full-fledged fusion splicing technicians," said Holst.

Attendees included individuals of all ages, such as father-and-son duo Scott and Thomas Mitchell. Thomas, who starts work at a data center next week, praised the experience: "This is giving me hands-on practice that I’ll use right away." For Scott, the workshop refreshed skills learned nearly 20 years ago. "It’s about confidence—putting your hands back on the tools makes all the difference."

Given the positive response, Amazon officials and instructors plan to offer more workshops in the future, further supporting the local workforce and creating pathways for new careers in technology.