MONTREAL—March 27, 2025—Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS) is collaborating with Collège de Bois-de-Boulogne, a public higher education college offering pre-university and technical programs as well as continuing education, to offer a free fiber optic fusion splicing certificate program in Montreal.
Fiber optic cables are the backbone of the modern world, carrying internet, television and telephone data. In a world increasingly dependent on the constant and powerful flow of data, the installation and repair of optical fibers are vital and sought-after skills. These skills are increasingly necessary to develop the world's data and communication networks, including 5G and data centers - two industries with a strong concentration in Quebec and Canada.
Recognizing the need to train the workforce to meet current and future labor market needs, AWS has launched the Fiber Optic Fusion Splicing certificate program to create a pool of qualified talent for local and national fiber optic installation and repair companies. The skills acquired through this training can also be leveraged in jobs among the 15 most in-demand jobs for 2025, as well as in high-demand occupations in Canada by 2028.
This training adds to the Collège de Bois-de-Boulogne's offerings related to the development of digital skills. As a leader in Quebec for technical training with 15 different study programs in the field offered to over 1,600 students, the College is strengthening its reputation as a proactive and innovative educational institution. This announcement paves the way for further developments, particularly in terms of cloud computing skills.
"AWS believes in the power of skills development and its positive and long-term impact on our customers, partners, employees, and communities," said Réjean Bourgault, AWS Canada Country Manager and Director. "Collège de Bois-de-Boulogne brings considerable expertise to help Montrealers and Quebecers retrain, train or specialize in order to obtain a good job. This free training will help open up new opportunities and new career paths for participants."
Through theoretical classes and hands-on workshops led by a team of experts from the recognized leader in fiber optic technologies and solutions, Sumitomo Electric Lightwave, students will learn real-world deployment techniques using various manual tools and state-of-the-art automated fusion splicing technology. In addition to skills development, the training will facilitate professional integration by connecting participants with employers at the end of the training, so they can explore employment opportunities.
"The collaboration between AWS Canada and our College brings a unique perspective and helps us better identify the emerging, specialized needs of employers in the greater Montreal area," said Simon Delamarre, Director of Continuing Education and Business Services at Collège de Bois-de-Boulogne. "This training represents a concrete and accessible solution to respond to a growing and highly specialized demand. Also, beyond the technical and technological support, our partner's concern to support the sustainable integration into employment of our students is directly in line with our social development goal."
The course, offered free of charge to students, will be held at the Agora numérique of the Collège de Bois-de-Boulogne on May 5 and 6, 2025.
Registrations are now open and interested individuals can register here.
The program requires no prior experience or education, although it is most useful for adults who have a set of related skills and wish to explore a transition to optical fiber installation and repair.
"This initiative is part of our commitment to continue our investment of over $2.57 billion in the Montreal region - where we have been well established since the opening of our first Canadian data center hub in 2016 - and to empower the local workforce for a stronger economy," concludes Réjean Bourgault.