Evolving strategies for training and recruitment help operators build tomorrow’s fiber workforce today
Many fiber pros at Clearfield are in a Facebook group called Fiber WTF Moments. Here, people from around the world share photos of terrible fiber installations. Usually, these techs have gone to troubleshoot a service issue and found the trouble all too obvious.
Rather than laughing and moving on, the images also present an opportunity to consider what leads to subpar work. After all, no one would want their name to be associated with these botched installs. Fortunately, the root causes are clear and fixable.
That’s why Clearfield is investing in solutions, such as intuitive 3D instructions with the BILT app, to produce better outcomes. Let’s examine the challenges and look at solutions to keep your networks working well and be known for quality.
A shortage of skilled techs
The workforce shortage in fiber is no secret. More than 60% of the current workforce will soon retire, according to the Fiber Broadband Association. The industry needs to add more than 200,000 new techs by 2030.
However, the workforce shortage isn’t just about the sheer number of techs in hard hats and vests. It’s a shortage of hands-on experience and longstanding industry knowledge — as well as how much time techs are allotted for each job.
Clearfield remains focused on modular, connectorized solutions that help reduce the learning curve and shorten installation times. These enable new techs to contribute faster, allowing more seasoned employees to tackle tougher projects. But training remains a critical component to retaining employees and ensuring they can do their best work.
Training up true fiber experts
Operators still face a dilemma. If techs are in the training room, they’re not resolving customer issues. So, it’s difficult to bring everyone to the office to learn about one product. And forget about trying to teach every legacy technology that your team no longer installs but still encounters in the field.
Using the BILT app for Clearfield product instructions is a tangible way we’re helping address the challenge. This mobile app gives technicians access to Clearfield's official 3D interactive guides, whether they’re working with something new or need a refresher. BILT’s voice, text, and animated guidance options accelerate the ramp-up to job proficiency, reducing errors and return truck rolls. We’ve even seen trainers at telco and ISP customers use the BILT app as part of their curriculum.
We invested in BILT to enable techs to accomplish more by bridging knowledge gaps. Last year, our team’s efforts received well-deserved recognition. Our 3D interactive guides powered by the BILT app earned silver in the 2025 ISE Network Innovators' Awards and gold in the 2025 Cabling Innovators Awards.
Now, our motivation for investing in this innovative training tool was not so that Clearfield products don’t end up on Fiber WTF Moments. That is a nice side effect. But the main reason is to get technicians up to speed faster, provide a resource in the field that’s available offline, and as a result, deliver better fiber broadband service faster with fewer callbacks.
Providing more intuitive instruction that’s tailored to the way younger generations learn just makes sense. We hope BILT will continue to gain ground as the industry builds the workforce needed to accelerate fiber deployment into the future.
Are you ready to build tomorrow's fiber workforce today? Tell Clearfield how we can help.
Clearfield’s Chief Commercial Officer, Anis Khemakhem, is deeply passionate about technology, particularly in advancing fiber optics and telecommunications solutions. Throughout his career, he has consistently focused on leveraging cutting-edge technology to improve connectivity and enhance digital access across various sectors. His executive experience - including leadership positions at Clearfield, Amphenol and Carlisle Interconnect Technologies - demonstrates his executive engagement capabilities and capacity to handle complex, multi-stakeholder projects.