HM Forces Fibre Telecommunications Bootcamp
The HM Forces Fibre Telecommunications Bootcamp is designed specifically for service leavers and veterans preparing for a civilian career in fibre optics, telecommunications and network infrastructure. Delivered by veterans with extensive industry experience, the programme combines technical knowledge with intensive hands-on practical training to build real-world competence and confidence. The focus is on helping delegates translate the discipline, experience and practical ability gained during military service into recognised technical skills and a clear route towards their next career in the telecoms and fibre sector.
Your Next Mission starts here. The HM Forces Fibre Telecommunications Bootcamp has been created specifically for service leavers and veterans who want to build a civilian career in fibre optics, telecommunications and network infrastructure. The programme combines technical training with extensive hands-on practical work, helping delegates develop the skills, confidence and industry understanding needed to move into civilian telecoms roles.
Veterans Trained by Veterans means the training is delivered by people who understand both military life and the transition into industry. We have supported the telecommunications sector and service leavers for nearly two decades, and we work closely with employers to ensure the training reflects the skills needed in real-world fibre and network environments.
Eligible service leavers can use ELCAS funding and applicable resettlement grants towards their training. Our ELCAS provider number is 3301. The programme is designed to help delegates turn the discipline, teamwork, technical ability and practical experience gained during military service into recognised civilian skills and a clear route towards their next career.
About this course:
The HM Forces Fibre Telecommunications Bootcamp is an intensive practical training programme designed to prepare service leavers and veterans for civilian roles in fibre optics, telecommunications and network infrastructure. The course combines technical theory with extensive hands-on training so delegates develop the practical competence needed to install, terminate, splice, test, troubleshoot and maintain fibre optic systems in real-world environments.
Training is delivered by veterans with extensive telecommunications industry experience. This gives delegates the benefit of instructors who understand both military service and the transition into civilian technical careers. The programme is built around realistic working practices, professional tools and equipment, and the standards expected across modern telecoms and network infrastructure projects.
Delegates develop practical skills in fibre preparation, connectorisation, fusion splicing, optical testing, fault finding, test result interpretation, network documentation and installation quality. The programme also develops a stronger understanding of fibre optic transmission, network infrastructure, safe working practices and the professional responsibilities expected of fibre engineers and technicians.
For service leavers using resettlement funding, eligible training may be supported through ELCAS and applicable resettlement grants. Our ELCAS provider number is 3301. The overall aim is to help delegates convert the discipline, technical ability and practical experience gained during military service into recognised civilian competence and a clear route into the fibre and telecommunications industry.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the bootcamp, delegates will have developed practical, job-ready competence across fibre optic installation, testing, fault finding and telecoms infrastructure.
Delegates should be able to:
✓ Prepare, handle and install fibre optic cable correctly
✓ Terminate and connectorise fibre optic cabling using recognised methods
✓ Carry out fusion splicing and assess splice quality
✓ Use professional fibre optic test equipment to verify installed links
✓ Carry out optical loss testing using light sources, power meters and OLTS equipment
✓ Configure and operate an OTDR correctly
✓ Interpret OTDR traces and identify reflective and non-reflective events
✓ Identify faults such as fibre breaks, macro-bends, excessive loss, poor splices and damaged or contaminated connectors
✓ Inspect and clean fibre optic connector end faces correctly
✓ Calculate and assess fibre link-loss budgets
✓ Compare measured test results against expected system performance
✓ Apply structured fault-finding and troubleshooting techniques
✓ Understand fibre optic network principles, wavelengths, attenuation and transmission characteristics
✓ Produce clear test records, labelling and handover documentation
✓ Apply safe working practices across telecoms and fibre environments
✓ Understand the requirements of overhead and underground telecoms infrastructure work
✓ Develop the practical competence required for fibre installation, testing and maintenance roles
The bootcamp also includes the following qualifications and awards:
✓ Open Awards Level 3 Award in Fibre Optics Installation and Testing
✓ Open Awards Level 3 Award in Advanced Fibre Optics Testing
✓ Open Awards Level 3 Award in Optical Fibre and Cable Blowing
✓ Smart Awards SA001 Overhead Safety
✓ Smart Awards SA002 Underground Safety
Suitable for:
This bootcamp is designed for serving personnel approaching resettlement, service leavers and veterans who want to build a civilian career in fibre optics, telecommunications and network infrastructure. It is particularly suitable for people who want practical, industry-focused training that builds on the discipline, technical ability, teamwork and problem-solving skills developed during military service.
This course is suitable for:
✓ Armed Forces personnel preparing for resettlement and transition into civilian employment
✓ Service leavers considering a new career in fibre optics and telecommunications
✓ Veterans who want to retrain or formalise existing technical skills
✓ Royal Signals, REME, RAF, Royal Navy and other technically experienced personnel moving into civilian infrastructure roles
✓ Individuals with communications, engineering, IT, electronics or technical backgrounds
✓ Those looking to develop practical fibre installation, splicing, testing and fault-finding skills
✓ People interested in telecoms, broadband, network infrastructure and fibre deployment roles
✓ Service leavers intending to use ELCAS funding or applicable resettlement grants
✓ Those seeking recognised vocational qualifications and practical evidence of competence
✓ Veterans who want training delivered by instructors who understand both military service and civilian industry expectations
Course modules:
The bootcamp is structured around a series of practical and technical modules designed to develop the complete skill set needed for fibre optic installation, testing, fault-finding, and telecoms infrastructure work. Delegates combine classroom learning with extensive hands-on training using professional tools and equipment, progressing from core fibre installation skills through advanced testing, cable blowing and telecoms safety.
Fibre Optic Installation and Testing
✓ Fibre optic principles, terminology and transmission basics
✓ Fibre cable types, construction and applications
✓ Fibre preparation, stripping and handling techniques
✓ Connectorisation and termination methods
✓ Fusion splicing and splice quality
✓ Fibre management, routing and installation best practice
✓ Optical light source and power meter operation
✓ Optical loss and insertion-loss testing
✓ Fibre link-loss budgets and expected system performance
✓ Test result interpretation and documentation
✓ Connector end-face inspection, cleaning and contamination control
Advanced Fibre Optic Testing and Fault Finding
✓ OTDR operating principles and correct setup
✓ Wavelength, pulse width, range, averaging and index of refraction
✓ Launch and receive fibres✓ OTDR trace and event-table interpretation
✓ Reflective and non-reflective events
✓ Splice loss, connector loss, attenuation and reflectance
✓ Optical Return Loss (ORL) principles
✓ Fibre breaks, macro-bends and excessive-loss identification
✓ Bi-directional OTDR testing✓ Structured fibre fault-finding and troubleshooting
✓ Comparing measured performance against calculated loss budgets
Optical Fibre and Cable Blowing
✓ Principles of blown fibre and blown cable systems
✓ Microducts, sub-ducts and cable pathways
✓ Cable and fibre preparation for blowing operations
✓ Blowing equipment setup and operation
✓ Installation planning and route considerations
✓ Monitoring installation performance and recognising problems
✓ Safe working practices when carrying out fibre and cable blowing activities
Telecoms Infrastructure Safety
✓ Smart Awards SA001 Overhead Safety
✓ Safe working around poles and overhead telecoms infrastructure
✓ Identification of hazards and appropriate control measures
✓ Smart Awards SA002 Underground Safety
✓ Safe working around underground telecoms infrastructure
✓ Chambers, ducts and associated hazards
✓ Appropriate PPE, safe systems of work and site awareness
Practical Skills and Industry Preparation
✓ Extensive hands-on training using professional fibre optic tools and test equipment
✓ Working through realistic installation, testing and fault-finding scenarios
✓ Test records, labelling and network handover documentation
✓ Professional workmanship and quality expectations
✓ Understanding civilian telecoms roles and working environments
✓ Applying military-developed discipline, teamwork and problem-solving within telecoms projects
Certification Information:
On successful completion of the required training and assessments, delegates will achieve a package of vocational qualifications and industry safety awards designed to support progression into fibre optic and telecommunications roles.
The bootcamp includes:
✓ Open Awards Level 3 Award in Fibre Optics Installation and Testing
✓ Open Awards Level 3 Award in Advanced Fibre Optics Testing
✓ Open Awards Level 3 Award in Optical Fibre and Cable Blowing
✓ Smart Awards SA001 Overhead Safety
✓ Smart Awards SA002 Underground Safety
Together, these awards demonstrate practical competence across fibre installation, splicing, optical testing, advanced fault finding, cable blowing and safe working around overhead and underground telecommunications infrastructure.
The combination of technical qualifications and practical training is designed to give service leavers strong evidence of civilian competence when applying for roles within fibre deployment, telecoms infrastructure, network installation, testing and maintenance.
Entry Requirements
No previous civilian fibre optic or telecommunications experience is required. The bootcamp is designed for serving personnel, service leavers and veterans who are preparing to move into a technical career in fibre optics, telecommunications or network infrastructure.
A technical, engineering, communications, IT or electronics background can be helpful, but it is not essential. Delegates should be comfortable with practical, hands-on training and prepared to take part in both knowledge-based and practical assessment activities throughout the programme.
The course is intensive and combines classroom learning with extensive practical work, so delegates should be prepared to work methodically, follow safe working procedures and develop competence across fibre installation, testing, fault finding, cable blowing and telecoms infrastructure safety.
Career Progression:
The fibre telecommunications industry continues to need skilled engineers and technicians across the UK and internationally as broadband providers, network operators and infrastructure companies expand and upgrade full-fibre networks. Completing this bootcamp can support progression into practical roles across fibre installation, splicing, testing, commissioning, maintenance and wider telecommunications infrastructure.
Typical progression routes include Fibre Optic Installation Engineer, Fibre Splicing Engineer, Fibre Testing Technician, Telecommunications Engineer, Network Infrastructure Installer, Fibre Maintenance Engineer and Fibre Commissioning Engineer. Opportunities can also exist in offshore, overseas and specialist infrastructure environments.
As part of the programme, HM Forces resettlement delegates also take part in a CV workshop designed to support the transition into civilian employment. Recruiters provide guidance on CV writing and help delegates present their military experience, technical skills and newly gained qualifications in a way that is relevant to employers in the fibre and telecommunications sector.
For many service leavers, the bootcamp is intended to provide a practical bridge between military service and a new technical career — building recognised competence, confidence and a clearer route into employment.
Price:
£3,000 + VAT
Duration:
4 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this bootcamp help HM Forces personnel transition into civilian telecoms careers?
The HM Forces Fibre Telecommunications Bootcamp is designed specifically for service leavers and veterans who want to move into civilian fibre, telecoms and network infrastructure roles.
The programme combines recognised technical qualifications with extensive hands-on practical training, helping delegates translate military-developed discipline, teamwork, technical ability and problem solving into civilian competence that employers can understand.
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Can I use ELCAS funding to pay for the course?
Yes. Eligible Armed Forces personnel can use Enhanced Learning Credits towards the training, subject to ELCAS rules and individual eligibility.
Our ELCAS provider number is 3301. Applicable resettlement grants may also be used alongside eligible funding arrangements.
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Is the training delivered by veterans?
Yes. Our Veterans Trained by Veterans approach means delegates are trained by instructors who understand both military service and the transition into civilian industry.
This helps create a practical learning environment focused on real technical competence, civilian workplace expectations and progression into fibre and telecommunications roles.
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Do I need previous telecoms or fibre experience before joining the bootcamp?
No. Previous civilian fibre optic or telecommunications experience is not required.
The programme is designed to develop delegates from core fibre principles through to practical installation, fusion splicing, testing, fault finding, cable blowing and telecoms infrastructure safety.
A technical, engineering, communications, IT or electronics background can be helpful, but it is not essential.
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What qualifications are included in the bootcamp?
On successful completion of the required training and assessments, delegates complete a package of vocational qualifications and industry safety awards, including:
Open Awards Level 3 Award in Fibre Optics Installation and Testing
Open Awards Level 3 Award in Advanced Fibre Optics Testing
Open Awards Level 3 Award in Optical Fibre and Cable Blowing
Smart Awards SA001 Overhead Safety
Smart Awards SA002 Underground Safety
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Does the Level 3 fibre qualification support an ECS card application?
Yes. The Open Awards Level 3 Award in Fibre Optics Installation and Testing is recognised as an accepted Level 3 qualification route for the ECS Network Infrastructure Installer (Level 3) – Fibre card.
Applicants must also meet the additional ECS eligibility requirements, including the required industry experience and a current ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Assessment.
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What practical fibre optic skills will I learn?
Delegates develop practical skills in fibre preparation, termination, connectorisation, fusion splicing, fibre management, optical testing, OTDR operation, fault finding, connector inspection, cleaning and network documentation.
The programme also covers fibre link-loss budgets, test result interpretation and the practical methods used to verify and maintain fibre optic links.
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Will I work with professional equipment used by fibre engineers in the field?
Yes. Delegates train with professional fibre installation, splicing and testing equipment used across the telecommunications industry.
Equipment can include systems from manufacturers such as Fujikura, Sumitomo, VIAVI, EXFO and Fluke Networks, giving delegates practical experience with professional tools and test platforms used on real fibre network projects.
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Does the bootcamp include advanced fibre testing and OTDR training?
Yes. The programme includes advanced fibre optic testing and fault-finding skills, including the use of light sources, power meters, Optical Loss Test Sets (OLTS) and OTDRs.
Delegates learn how to interpret test results, analyse OTDR traces, identify faults and assess whether installed fibre links are performing as expected.
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Does the bootcamp include fibre and cable blowing?
Yes. The programme includes training in optical fibre and cable blowing, covering the principles, equipment and practical methods used when installing fibre and cable through duct and microduct infrastructure.
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Does the bootcamp include overhead and underground telecoms safety training?
Yes. The programme includes Smart Awards SA001 Overhead Safety and SA002 Underground Safety.
These awards develop awareness of the hazards, safe working practices and controls required when working around overhead and underground telecommunications infrastructure.
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What jobs could I progress into after completing the bootcamp?
The training can support progression into roles such as Fibre Optic Installation Engineer, Fibre Splicing Engineer, Fibre Testing Technician, Telecommunications Engineer, Network Infrastructure Installer, Fibre Maintenance Engineer and Fibre Commissioning Engineer.
Delegates can also progress into specialist areas such as advanced fibre testing, fibre planning and design, air blown fibre, outside plant infrastructure and wider telecoms network engineering.
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Where does the training take place?
The HM Forces Fibre Telecommunications Bootcamp is delivered exclusively at our specialist fibre optic training centre in Crewe, Cheshire.
Delegates train in a purpose-built practical environment using professional fibre installation, fusion splicing and test equipment, with realistic training scenarios designed to develop the practical skills required for civilian fibre and telecommunications roles.
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Can the HM Forces Fibre Telecommunications Bootcamp be delivered at another location?
No. This specialist four-week resettlement programme is delivered at our training centre in Crewe, Cheshire.
The programme has been structured specifically for Armed Forces service leavers and veterans, giving delegates access to our dedicated training facilities, professional equipment and practical fibre network environments throughout the course.
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Is accommodation available during the four-week bootcamp?
Yes. We have arranged discounted accommodation rates with a local accommodation provider, helping service leavers keep the cost of attending the four-week programme manageable.
Rates start from approximately £25 per night for en-suite accommodation, subject to availability.
Contact our training team when booking and we can provide the current accommodation details and help you understand the available options.
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How long is the HM Forces Fibre Telecommunications Bootcamp?
The HM Forces Fibre Telecommunications Bootcamp runs over four weeks and combines technical classroom learning with extensive hands-on practical training across fibre installation, fusion splicing, advanced testing and fault finding, fibre and cable blowing, and telecoms infrastructure safety.