Air Blown Fibre and Blown Cable Technology Course
The Air Blown Fibre and Blown Cable Technology Course provides practical training in the installation of fibre optic cable using air-assisted blowing techniques commonly used in modern telecommunications and broadband networks. Delegates learn how blown fibre systems work, how to prepare ducts and microducts, select and set up blowing equipment, install fibre units and cables safely, and identify factors that affect installation performance. Training combines technical knowledge with hands-on practical exercises using professional equipment, helping learners develop the skills needed to carry out efficient, controlled fibre deployment in real-world network environments.
The Air Blown Fibre and Blown Cable Technology Course provides practical training in the installation of fibre optic cables using air-assisted blowing techniques across modern telecommunications and broadband networks.
Delegates learn how to prepare and install fibre through blown fibre tubing (BFT), microducts and sub-duct, as well as the techniques used for installing larger-count fibre cables. The course covers the principles of air-assisted cable installation, equipment setup, duct preparation, cable handling and the factors that influence blowing performance.
Training combines technical instruction with hands-on practical exercises using professional blowing equipment, helping delegates develop the competence required to carry out controlled, efficient and reliable fibre installation in real network environments.
About this course:
The Air Blown Fibre and Blown Cable Technology Course is designed to develop the practical skills and technical understanding required to install fibre optic cable using air-assisted blowing methods.
Delegates learn how air blown fibre systems operate, how to prepare suitable duct routes, and how to set up and use professional blowing equipment correctly. The programme covers installation through blown fibre tubing (BFT), microducts and sub-duct, as well as techniques used for larger-count fibre cables.
Training includes the principles that affect blowing performance, including duct condition, route length, bends, cable characteristics, air pressure, equipment setup and safe handling. Delegates also develop an understanding of how to identify common installation problems and how to minimise the risk of cable damage, excessive friction or poor installation performance.
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The course combines technical instruction with hands-on practical exercises, giving delegates experience of preparing equipment, loading cable, controlling the blowing process and completing installations in a safe and methodical way.
This programme is delivered as Open Awards accredited training and is intended for fibre installers, telecoms engineers and network technicians who need practical competence in blown fibre and blown cable installation techniques.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the Air Blown Fibre and Blown Cable Technology Course, delegates should be able to:
✓ Correctly install fibre optic cable using air-assisted blowing techniques
✓ Carry out air pressure testing and complete the required installation documentation
✓ Terminate and connect sub-duct systems correctly
✓ Plan suitable blowing routes, including end-to-end, mid-span and onward blowing operations
✓ Understand airflow requirements, compressor selection and cable-to-duct fill ratios
✓ Apply safe working practices when handling fibre optic cable and blowing equipment
✓ Use appropriate cable lubrication during blown fibre and cable installation
✓ Read and interpret cable installation drawings and route information
✓ Install sub-duct within telecommunications network infrastructure
✓ Understand sub-base requirements in line with manufacturer guidance and relevant highway standards
✓ Work safely within underground telecommunications networks
✓ Apply appropriate cable and network labelling standards
✓ Recognise factors that can reduce blowing performance, including route condition, bends, friction and poor duct preparation
✓ Set up and operate fibre blowing equipment in a controlled and methodical manner✓ Identify common installation problems and take appropriate corrective action
Suitable for:
This course is suitable for:
✓ New entrants who want to develop practical skills in air blown fibre and blown cable installation
✓ Fibre optic installers who want to expand their competence into blown fibre systems
✓ Telecommunications engineers working on FTTP and broadband network deployment
✓ Network build technicians working with microduct, sub-duct and duct infrastructure
✓ Engineers involved in underground fibre installation and cable deployment
✓ Contractors working on large-scale fibre rollout projects
✓ Technicians who need practical experience with blowing equipment, compressors and route preparation
✓ Learners who want to develop Level 3 competence in air blown fibre and blown cable technology
Course modules:
Air Blown Fibre and Blown Cable Systems
✓ Principles of air-assisted fibre and cable installation
✓ Blown fibre tubing (BFT), microduct and sub-duct systems
✓ Fibre unit and cable types used in blown installations
✓ Understanding cable-to-duct fill ratios
✓ Route planning for blown fibre installations
Equipment Setup and Operation
✓ Selecting suitable fibre blowing equipment
✓ Compressor selection and airflow requirements
✓ Preparing blowing heads and cable feed systems
✓ Setting up equipment for safe and controlled operation
✓ Understanding air pressure requirements and limits
Duct and Sub-Duct Preparation
✓ Inspecting and preparing ducts before installation
✓ Sub-duct installation methods
✓ Connecting and terminating sub-duct systems
✓ Air pressure testing
✓ Identifying leaks, restrictions and route problems
✓ Understanding duct condition and its effect on blowing performance
Blowing Techniques
✓ End-to-end cable blowing
✓ Mid-span blowing
✓ Onward blowing techniques
✓ Cable lubrication and friction reduction
✓ Managing bends and changes in route direction
✓ Controlling cable speed and installation pressure
✓ Preventing cable damage during installation
Installation Planning
✓ Reading and interpreting cable drawings
✓ Planning suitable blowing routes
✓ Assessing route length, bends and access points
✓ Understanding manufacturer installation guidance
✓ Sub-base considerations and highway-related requirements
Safety and Network Practice
✓ Safe working with compressed air equipment
✓ Fibre optic handling and safety
✓ Safe working within underground telecommunications networks
✓ Good housekeeping and equipment control
✓ Cable identification and labelling standards
✓ Recording air tests and installation information
Faults and Installation Problems
✓ Recognising poor blowing performance
✓ Identifying duct restrictions and excessive friction
✓ Responding to pressure loss and airflow problems
✓ Understanding common causes of failed installations
✓ Applying corrective techniques safely and methodically
Certification Information:
Successful delegates will receive certification for completing the Air Blown Fibre and Blown Cable Technology training programme.
The course is delivered as Open Awards accredited training and assesses both the technical knowledge and practical skills required for air blown fibre and blown cable installation.
Assessment includes practical activities covering equipment setup, duct and sub-duct preparation, route planning, cable blowing techniques, air pressure testing, safe working practices and installation documentation.
Delegates are expected to demonstrate that they can carry out blown fibre and cable installation tasks safely, correctly and in line with recognised installation practices.
Entry Requirements
No previous fibre optic experience is required to enrol on this course.
The programme is suitable for new entrants as well as existing fibre installers, telecoms technicians and network engineers who want to develop practical competence in air blown fibre and blown cable installation.
Delegates should be comfortable with hands-on technical work and be prepared to work with fibre blowing equipment, compressed air systems, ducts, sub-ducts and underground telecommunications infrastructure.
Previous experience in fibre optics, telecommunications or network installation can be useful, but it is not essential.
Career Progression:
Completing the Air Blown Fibre and Blown Cable Technology Course can support progression into practical roles involving fibre deployment, duct infrastructure and telecommunications network installation.
The skills developed on the course are relevant to roles such as:
✓ Fibre Optic Installation Technician
✓ Air Blown Fibre Technician
✓ Blown Cable Installation Engineer
✓ Telecommunications Installation Engineer
✓ Fibre Network Build Technician
✓ Underground Network Technician
✓ Fibre Deployment Engineer
✓ Telecoms Infrastructure Technician
The course is particularly useful for technicians working on fibre routes where microducts, sub-ducts and air-assisted cable installation methods are used.
With further experience, delegates can progress into more advanced fibre installation, splicing, testing, fault finding, outside plant network build and fibre planning roles.
Price:
£650.00 + VAT
Duration:
2 Days
Frequently Asked Questions
What is air-blown fibre technology and how does it work?
Air-blown fibre is a method of installing fibre optic units or cables through microducts, blown fibre tubing and sub-duct using controlled compressed air. The airflow helps reduce friction and allows fibre to be installed over longer routes without relying on conventional pulling methods.
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Why is blown fibre technology used in modern fibre networks?
Blown fibre systems make network expansion and upgrades more flexible. Duct and microduct infrastructure can be installed in advance, with fibre added later as capacity is required. This makes the technology particularly useful in FTTP, telecommunications and large-scale fibre deployment projects.
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What practical skills will I develop during the course?
Delegates develop hands-on skills in duct and sub-duct preparation, air pressure testing, blowing equipment setup, compressor selection, cable lubrication, route planning and controlled fibre installation. Training also covers end-to-end, mid-span and onward blowing techniques.
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Will I learn how to identify problems during a blown fibre installation?
Yes. The course covers common factors that can affect blowing performance, including duct restrictions, bends, excessive friction, air pressure loss, poor route preparation and incorrect equipment setup. Delegates learn how to recognise these issues and take appropriate corrective action.
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Does the course cover microducts and sub-duct systems?
Yes. Delegates learn how blown fibre tubing, microducts and sub-duct systems are used within fibre networks, including preparation, connection, termination, air testing and installation planning.
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Is previous fibre optic experience required?
No. The course is suitable for new entrants as well as existing fibre installers, telecommunications technicians and network engineers who want to develop practical competence in air blown fibre and blown cable installation.
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What certification will I receive?
Successful delegates receive certification for completing the Air Blown Fibre and Blown Cable Technology training programme. The course is delivered as Open Awards accredited training and includes both practical and knowledge-based assessment activities.
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Who would benefit from learning blown fibre installation techniques?
The course is particularly relevant to engineers and technicians involved in fibre broadband deployment, FTTP, underground telecoms infrastructure, fibre network construction and projects where microduct or sub-duct systems are used.
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Where does the training take place?
Training takes place at our specialist Fibre Optics Training centre in Crewe, Cheshire, where delegates work with professional fibre blowing equipment and practise installation techniques in a hands-on training environment.