The true backbone of the modern world, fiber optic cables transport the data that powers our connected daily lives, whether for internet, television, or phone communications. Thinner than a human hair, these glass filaments support the entire digital infrastructure on which our personal and professional lives depend.
Behind this advanced technology lies a concrete challenge: training enough qualified technicians capable of installing, repairing, and evolving it.
To address this, AWS, in collaboration with Collège de Bois-de-Boulogne and Sumitomo Electric Lightwave, offered a free fiber optic fusion splicing certificate program in Montreal on May 5 and 6. Training specialists in Quebec not only prepares the province for tomorrow's challenges but also ensures the resilience of our networks and the dynamism of our digital economy.
Discover why AWS is investing in fiber optic training in Quebec—and why it's a strategic priority for the future.
Training today's talent to support tomorrow's networks
The fiber optic fusion splicing certificate program is one of the ways AWS is developing technical skills where needs are most pressing.
"At AWS, we see fiber optic infrastructure as essential to everything from online services to critical applications in health care, finance, or artificial intelligence," says Réjean Bourgault, country manager at AWS Canada. "These sectors are particularly dynamic in Quebec and Canada, and their growth is fueled by the accelerated adoption of streaming services, mobile technology, home automation, and smart cities."
However, the demand for specialized technicians exceeds the bank of qualified workers. Splicing, a meticulous fusion process between two optical fibers, is crucial to ensure fast and reliable data transmission. But few professionals master this skill. This training program seeks to help address the shortage of qualified workers in fiber optic-related sectors, particularly for 5G networks and data centres, two rapidly growing fields in Quebec and Canada.
Training a new generation of specialists today ensures the continuity, security, and expansion of this essential infrastructure. It also offers a concrete response to a national technological need.
Developing a futureproof workforce
Jobs related to the installation and maintenance of telecommunications infrastructure are among the 15 most in-demand professions in Canada for 2025, with sustained projected growth until 2028.
"In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the need to increase the quality and coverage of the wired network," says Nicolas Godineau, project coordinator at Réseau Connectcom, one of the employers present at the networking event that followed the certificate program. "There are real hiring opportunities, for example in companies like ours that specialize in fiber optic installation and maintenance."
Connectivity and digital infrastructure issues are especially pressing as the Canadian data center market is experiencing rapid growth, estimated at about 12% annually between 2024 and 2029, driven by the rise of streaming, smart services, and bandwidth demand.
Investing in talent where AWS operates
Quebec, specifically the Montreal region, is a strategic hub for AWS. Since 2015, the company has invested $2.57 billion dollars to ensure the construction, operation, and maintenance of its AWS data center network in Montreal. By 2037, the company plans to invest more than $20 billion in the province to continue developing this network.
A skilled workforce, an innovative educational network, and an environment conducive to technological innovation all motivated this choice. By training technicians locally, AWS supports immediate connectivity needs while building a strong expertise in a field with much promise.
Collège de Bois-de-Boulogne, a gauge of excellency in technology
The Collège de Bois-de-Boulogne is recognized as a leader in technical training in Quebec, with more than 1,600 students in digital-related programs. Its commitment to continuing education and ability to quickly adapt its offerings to market needs make it an ideal partner.
"The collaboration with AWS Canada dates back several years already. It has had and will have an even more significant impact in the coming years on the quality of education and workforce preparation to meet the needs of employers in the Greater Montreal area and in Quebec," says Simon Delamarre, Director of Continuing Education and Business Services at the College. "We made the choice at the College to prioritize AWS technology in our teaching and make it, in a way, the backbone of our computer science programs."
Led by Quentin Tricard, engineer and trainer at Sumitomo Electric Lightwave, a global leader in fiber optic solutions, the training combines theory and practice. Participants handled automated fusion splicers and participated in concrete scenarios.
This was an important part of the program for Caroline, a student at Collège de Bois-de-Boulogne in IT infrastructure and cybersecurity: "I particularly appreciated that we could really handle the equipment. We got both the technical side and the practical side. The experience exceeded my expectations: in two days, I learned much more than I would have thought."
For Caroline and the thirty students, proud to receive their diploma at the end of the training, fiber optics is much more than just a cable: it's a vector for the future, for them as well as for all of us. By training specialized technicians in Montreal, AWS and Collège de Bois-de-Boulogne are betting on human potential to support the major digital transformations of our time and are preparing for those of tomorrow.
Learn more about AWS’ workforce development initiatives.
