HM Forces Resettlement Training
HM Forces Fibre Telecommunications Bootcamp
Prepare for a civilian career in fibre telecommunications with four weeks of practical training at Fibre Optics Training in Crewe, Cheshire. The programme combines fibre installation and fusion splicing, advanced OTDR testing, and optical fibre and cable blowing, followed by a fourth week of safety training covering Smart Awards SA001, SA002 and TETRA SA054C. Designed for HM Forces personnel, service leavers and veterans, the Bootcamp connects technical learning with the working methods and safety responsibilities of civilian telecommunications projects. Our team includes three former military personnel who have been through resettlement, bring decades of industry experience and continue working in the sector alongside delivering training. Work towards three Open Awards Level 3 qualifications and the included safety awards, subject to successful assessment. ELCAS provider 3301; funding is subject to individual eligibility and approval. Request a place or resettlement consultation through our enquiry form.
Course at a glance
Duration
Four weeks
Three weeks of technical training, followed by a dedicated safety week.
Location
Fibre Optics Training Centre
Crewe, Cheshire
CW1 6BG
Who it’s for
HM Forces personnel, service leavers and veterans preparing for civilian fibre telecommunications roles.
Qualification
Three Open Awards Level 3 qualifications, plus SA001, SA002 and TETRA SA054C safety awards, subject to successful assessment.
What you will be able to do
By the end of the programme, you should be able to:
✓ Explain fibre optic transmission principles and recognise common cable types, components and terminology used in telecommunications networks.
✓ Prepare fibre cables and individual fibres methodically, using appropriate handling and housekeeping to protect the fibre and working area.
✓ Carry out fibre preparation, termination and fusion splicing, checking the workmanship and organising fibres within the relevant management system.
✓ Inspect and clean connector end faces, recognising how contamination can affect optical measurements and link performance.
✓ Use an optical light source and power meter to measure insertion loss and compare results with an expected link-loss budget.
✓ Select appropriate OTDR settings, including wavelength, range, pulse width and averaging, for the link and purpose of the test.
✓ Use launch and receive fibres and interpret OTDR traces and event tables when investigating splices, connectors and fibre faults.
✓ Recognise reflective and non-reflective events, excessive loss, macro-bends and breaks, and record the evidence supporting a diagnosis.
✓ Explain how optical fibre and cable blowing systems work, prepare equipment and cable pathways, and monitor installation progress.
✓ Recognise overhead and underground telecommunications hazards and apply the safe working methods covered by SA001 and SA002.
✓ Use the TETRA leaning-ladder system within the scope of SA054C training, following the equipment instructions and task controls.
✓ Produce clear test records and handover information, combining practical technical skills with military-developed discipline, teamwork and problem-solving.
These are learning outcomes for the programme. Qualification and safety-award achievement depend on meeting the relevant assessment requirements; attendance alone does not confirm competence or authorise every type of network work.
Course modules and practical training
The four-week Bootcamp combines classroom learning with practical fibre telecommunications training. The first three weeks cover fibre installation and testing, advanced OTDR testing, and optical fibre and cable blowing. Week 4 covers SA001 Overhead Safety, SA002 Underground Safety and TETRA SA054C Leaning Ladder Candidate Accreditation. The programme follows the work from preparation and installation through measurement, fault finding, documentation and safe working.
Fibre optic principles and network components
Build an understanding of how optical signals travel through fibre and how cable construction, fibre type and connection methods affect an installation. Learn the terminology used when discussing cables, connectors, splices and telecommunications links. Relate the underlying principles to practical tasks so that equipment choices and test results have a clear purpose rather than becoming a series of steps to memorise.
Cable preparation, termination and fusion splicing
Practise fibre cable preparation, stripping, cleaning and handling before progressing to termination and fusion splicing. Work methodically, protect prepared fibres and manage offcuts appropriately. Consider splice quality alongside routing, bend control, fibre storage and the organisation of the completed assembly. Practical work connects the quality of each individual operation with the reliability and maintainability of the finished fibre link.
Connector inspection and optical loss testing
Inspect and clean connector end faces before testing, recognising how contamination or damage can affect a measurement. Use an optical light source and power meter to assess insertion loss and compare the measured result with the expected performance of the link. Develop a consistent approach to recording results, investigating unexpected readings and distinguishing a test setup problem from an installation issue.
Advanced OTDR setup and measurement
Develop the OTDR skills needed to investigate fibre links in more detail. Explore wavelength, range, pulse width, averaging and index-of-refraction settings, and consider how each affects the information available in a trace. Use launch and receive fibres as part of the measurement setup. The emphasis is on selecting settings for a reason and understanding the limitations of the resulting measurement.
Trace interpretation and structured fault finding
Interpret OTDR traces and event tables, identifying reflective and non-reflective events and investigating splice loss, connector loss, attenuation and reflectance. Explore optical return loss principles and the value of bi-directional testing. Work through faults such as excessive loss, macro-bends and breaks, using the available evidence to develop a diagnosis and explain what further checks or corrective work are appropriate.
Optical fibre and cable blowing
Learn how blown fibre and blown cable systems fit into telecommunications deployment. Consider microducts, sub-ducts, pathways, cable preparation and route conditions before setting up the blowing equipment. Practical training links preparation with monitoring the installation and recognising problems as they develop. Follow the task instructions and equipment controls, understanding that a successful installation depends on the pathway and preparation as well as machine operation.
Week 4: SA001 Overhead Safety
Develop the knowledge and practical safety skills covered by SA001 for overhead telecommunications work. Recognise hazards, consider appropriate control measures and follow the safe systems explained by the trainer. The award includes theory and practical assessment. Discuss any concerns about working at height or participation before training so that the demands of the activities and your individual circumstances can be considered.
Week 4: SA002 Underground Safety
Study the hazards associated with underground telecommunications infrastructure, including chambers, cover lifting and gas testing. Practical activities connect the checks and equipment with the decisions needed before and during a task. SA002 includes theory and practical assessment. Work remains subject to the scope of your training, the site controls and any additional competence or authorisation required for the particular location.
Week 4: TETRA SA054C leaning-ladder training
The safety week also includes TETRA SA054C Leaning Ladder Candidate Accreditation. Learn the purpose and use of the TETRA system within the leaning-ladder activity covered by this award. Follow the equipment instructions, checks and practical task requirements explained during training. This is the leaning-ladder accreditation; it should not be confused with a separate TETRA flat-roof course or treated as authorisation for unrelated access methods.
Practical records and preparation for industry
Bring installation, testing and safety learning together through realistic practical tasks and clear records. Consider labelling, test evidence, workmanship and the information another engineer needs at handover. Develop a way of explaining your decisions as well as demonstrating a task. This helps connect military-developed attention to detail and teamwork with the expectations of civilian fibre installation, testing and maintenance work.
Assessment and qualifications
On successful completion of the required training and assessments, delegates can achieve three separate Open Awards Level 3 qualifications, together with the three safety awards included in Week 4:
✓ Open Awards Level 3 Award in Fibre Optics Installation and Testing (RQF) — 603/7800/1.
✓ Open Awards Level 3 Award in Advanced OTDR Testing (RQF) — 603/7804/9.
✓ Open Awards Level 3 Award in Optical Fibre and Cable Blowing (RQF) — 603/7807/4.
✓ Smart Awards SA001 Overhead Safety.
✓ Smart Awards SA002 Underground Safety.
✓ TETRA SA054C Leaning Ladder Candidate Accreditation.
Open Awards qualifications are assessed through a portfolio of evidence, with provider assessment and external quality assurance. The training team will explain the practical and knowledge evidence required. SA001 and SA002 include theory and practical assessments; SA054C includes the assessment requirements for its leaning-ladder accreditation.
The SA001, SA002 and TETRA SA054C certificates are valid for three years. Their validity is separate from the Open Awards qualification arrangements. Each award has its own scope: attendance alone does not guarantee achievement, and completing the programme does not replace employer or network-specific authorisations. Any COFNII recognition is a separate pathway and must be confirmed independently.
Who should attend
This programme is designed for serving HM Forces personnel approaching resettlement, service leavers and veterans who want to develop practical skills for civilian fibre telecommunications work. It brings together installation, testing, cable blowing and telecommunications safety, making it relevant to people considering a new trade as well as those building on military technical experience.
A communications, engineering, electronics or IT background can provide useful context, but you do not need to come from a particular service, rank or military trade. Your resettlement consultation is an opportunity to explain your starting point, interests and plans so that we can discuss whether the Bootcamp is an appropriate route.
✓ Serving personnel planning a transition into civilian fibre installation, testing or network infrastructure work.
✓ Service leavers comparing telecommunications training options and considering how ELCAS funding may support an eligible programme.
✓ Veterans interested in retraining for a practical technical role or developing an existing interest in fibre networks.
✓ Military communications and engineering personnel who want to connect their experience with civilian installation methods, optical measurements and handover requirements.
✓ Delegates who prefer practical learning supported by an explanation of the underlying principles and the purpose of each task.
✓ People who want a combined programme that includes a dedicated fourth week of overhead, underground and TETRA leaning-ladder safety training.
The Bootcamp involves four weeks of training and assessment, including practical activities. Before arranging travel or accommodation, discuss your availability, relevant experience and any learning, accessibility or practical support needs with Fibre Optics Training. Funding eligibility and course suitability are separate matters, and both need to be considered before your place is confirmed.
Entry requirements
No previous civilian fibre optic or telecommunications experience is required. A military communications, engineering, electronics or IT background can be useful, but the Bootcamp is not restricted to a particular service, rank or trade. The listed Open Awards qualifications have a minimum registration age of 18 and expect an appropriate standard of English and maths. Discuss your background and qualification entry requirements with the training team before confirming a place.
The programme combines classroom learning, practical training and assessment. You should be prepared to work methodically, follow instructions and take part in the practical activities relevant to each award. Week 4 includes overhead, underground and TETRA leaning-ladder safety training, so tell us about any practical, accessibility or learning support needs during your consultation.
Check the joining instructions for required PPE, equipment arrangements and any NOPS requirements relevant to your awards. Course suitability, your place and any ELCAS funding approval need separate confirmation before you commit to travel or accommodation.
Five reasons to train with Fibre Optics Training
1. Learn from people who understand resettlement
Our team includes three former military personnel who have been through resettlement themselves. They understand that moving into civilian work involves more than choosing a course: you may be comparing career directions, planning around a leaving date and learning how employers describe technical roles. Their experience gives you a useful starting point for discussing your own plans and connecting your service background with the opportunities you want to explore.
2. Train with people who still work in the industry
Our team brings decades of industry experience and continues working in the sector alongside delivering training. That connection helps relate classroom explanations to practical installation, testing and fault-finding tasks. You can discuss why workmanship, accurate measurements and clear records matter on a project, and how the habits developed during military service can support a methodical approach to civilian telecommunications work.
3. Develop technical skills alongside telecommunications safety
The four-week programme combines fibre installation, advanced OTDR testing and cable blowing with a dedicated safety week covering SA001, SA002 and TETRA SA054C. These subjects serve different purposes, but together they help you consider both the technical work and the conditions in which it is carried out. You learn to connect preparation and measurement with the responsibilities of following task instructions, equipment controls and safe working procedures.
4. Build clear evidence of your learning and achievement
Practical training helps you develop skills, while assessment provides the evidence required for each qualification or award. We keep those purposes clear so that you understand what you are working towards and can describe your achievements accurately. The Open Awards qualifications, three-year safety certificates and any separate COFNII recognition should each be presented on their own terms when discussing your training with an employer.
5. Discuss your route before requesting a place
Use the resettlement form to explain your service background, course interests, preferred dates and funding plans. A consultation gives us a basis for discussing suitability and comparing Bootcamp with Enterprise Installer or a more focused course. Fibre Optics Training is ELCAS provider 3301; funding remains subject to your individual eligibility and approval. An enquiry starts that conversation without treating it as a confirmed booking.
Choosing the right course
Is the Fibre Telecommunications Bootcamp right for my goals?
Choose the programme around the type of work you want to pursue and the skills you need to develop. The HM Forces Fibre Telecommunications Bootcamp focuses on fibre installation, optical testing, advanced OTDR fault finding and cable blowing, followed by a fourth week of telecommunications safety. It is a route to discuss if your interests are in fibre infrastructure and practical network installation, testing or maintenance rather than primarily structured copper cabling.
How does it differ from Enterprise Installer?
HM Forces Enterprise Fibre & Data Cabling Installer is a separate three-week programme covering copper data cabling, fibre installation and splicing, and advanced OTDR testing. The four-week Bootcamp includes optical fibre and cable blowing and a dedicated safety week covering SA001, SA002 and TETRA SA054C. Compare the actual subjects and qualification packages for each course; sharing a page layout and resettlement form does not make the programmes interchangeable.
Would an individual technical or safety course be more suitable?
If you already have relevant experience or need a particular skill, a focused fibre installation, advanced OTDR, cable-blowing or safety course may be a better starting point. Tell us which tasks you currently carry out and what you want to add. When an employer specifies an award, check its exact code and scope before choosing: overhead and underground operative training should not be confused with awareness-only courses, and SA054C is the TETRA leaning-ladder accreditation.
What should I discuss during a resettlement consultation?
Share your service background, technical experience, intended leaving date, preferred training period and the roles you are considering. Include any learning or practical support needs and questions about the demands of the safety week. You do not need to have chosen a civilian job title before contacting us. The aim is to compare your plans with the programme content and identify the information you need before requesting a place.
How do I take the next step?
Use Available course dates to view the current options for this course, then complete the resettlement enquiry form. You can request a consultation, ask a course question or express interest in a place. Include your ELCAS or other funding plans so these can be discussed alongside course suitability. Provider number 3301 identifies Fibre Optics Training; eligibility, funding approval and your course place still need separate confirmation.
Career progression
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Discuss your HM Forces resettlement training
Planning your move into fibre optics, data cabling or telecommunications? Request a resettlement consultation to discuss your experience, career goals and training options.
Our team includes three former military personnel who have been through resettlement themselves. They bring decades of industry experience and continue working in the sector alongside delivering training.
We can help you compare our HM Forces courses, discuss suitable dates, and understand the next steps to apply.
For ELCAS enquiries, our provider number is 3301. Funding is subject to your eligibility and approval.
Upcoming course dates
HM Forces Fibre Telecommunications Bootcamp FAQs
1. What is the HM Forces Fibre Telecommunications Bootcamp?
It is a four-week programme for HM Forces personnel, service leavers and veterans preparing for civilian fibre telecommunications work. Training at Fibre Optics Training in Crewe, Cheshire combines fibre installation and testing, advanced OTDR testing, and optical fibre and cable blowing. A dedicated fourth week covers SA001, SA002 and TETRA SA054C safety training. The programme includes practical learning and assessment; attendance alone does not guarantee qualification achievement or a job.
2. Who is the course designed for?
The Bootcamp is intended for serving personnel planning resettlement, service leavers and veterans considering fibre infrastructure work. It is not limited to a particular service, rank or military trade. A communications, engineering, electronics or IT background may be useful, but your consultation should focus on your own experience and goals. Tell us about the roles you are exploring, your availability and any learning or practical support needs so that suitability can be discussed before your place is confirmed.
3. How long is the Bootcamp and where does it take place?
The complete programme lasts four weeks and takes place in Crewe, Cheshire. The first three weeks cover the technical fibre subjects, followed by the safety week. Use Available course dates to view the current options for the Bootcamp and include a preferred period in your enquiry. A displayed date or submitted form is not a confirmed place. Contact Fibre Optics Training before committing to travel or accommodation so that your course arrangements and joining information can be confirmed.
4. What does the fourth-week safety training include?
Week 4 includes Smart Awards SA001 Overhead Safety, SA002 Underground Safety and TETRA SA054C Leaning Ladder Candidate Accreditation. These are separate awards with different scopes and assessment requirements. SA001 and SA002 include theory and practical assessment, while SA054C covers the TETRA leaning-ladder activity. Raise any concerns about working at height or taking part in practical activities before training. SA054C should not be confused with a separate TETRA flat-roof accreditation, and the awards do not replace site-specific controls or additional authorisations.
5. Which qualifications can I work towards?
The technical package covers the Open Awards Level 3 Award in Fibre Optics Installation and Testing (RQF), Level 3 Award in Advanced OTDR Testing (RQF), and Level 3 Award in Optical Fibre and Cable Blowing (RQF). The safety week adds SA001, SA002 and TETRA SA054C. Each qualification or award has requirements that you must meet through assessment. Open Awards evidence is assessed by the provider and subject to external quality assurance. The team will explain the evidence and assessment arrangements for your programme.
6. How long are the safety certificates valid?
The Smart Awards SA001, SA002 and TETRA SA054C certificates are valid for three years. Keep a record of the award codes, completion details and expiry dates so you can discuss renewal requirements before a certificate expires. This three-year validity relates to the safety certificates and should not be applied automatically to the Open Awards qualifications. Employers and network operators may also have their own competence, authorisation or access requirements, which need to be checked for the work you intend to carry out.
7. Can I use ELCAS funding for the Bootcamp?
Fibre Optics Training is ELCAS provider 3301. Funding depends on your individual eligibility and approval, so include your funding plans when requesting a resettlement consultation. We can discuss the course information you need for the next stage of your application. Provider status does not mean every individual safety award is separately approved for ELCAS funding. Do not treat a course enquiry, available date or discussion with the training team as confirmation that your funding has been approved.
8. Do I need previous fibre experience, and what should I check before applying?
Previous civilian fibre or telecommunications experience is not required. The Open Awards qualifications listed for this programme have a minimum registration age of 18 and expect an appropriate standard of English and maths. Discuss qualification entry requirements, practical suitability and any support needs with the training team before confirming your arrangements. Ask about required PPE, joining instructions and any NOPS arrangements relevant to your awards. These matters are separate from funding eligibility and should be resolved before you commit to a training date.
9. How does Bootcamp differ from Enterprise Installer?
The four-week Bootcamp has a fibre telecommunications focus, including optical fibre and cable blowing and a dedicated safety week. The three-week HM Forces Enterprise Fibre & Data Cabling Installer programme covers structured copper data cabling, fibre installation and splicing, and advanced OTDR testing. Compare the modules and qualification packages against the type of work you want to pursue. If you are unsure, use the shared resettlement form to request a consultation; you can discuss your options before choosing a course.
10. How do I request a place, and does completion guarantee employment or COFNII recognition?
Select a current Bootcamp date where one is available and complete the resettlement enquiry form with your service background, course interest and funding plans. You can also request a consultation or ask about a different training period. Applications use the enquiry process rather than online checkout. A place and any funding arrangements need confirmation. Completing the Bootcamp does not guarantee employment or automatic COFNII recognition; any professional recognition is a separate pathway and must only be claimed when its requirements have been met.