Company

Illuminating the Fiber Optics industry since 1986.

Who We Are

The Light Brigade, the world's leading fiber optic training company, was founded in September 1986 to provide a growing population of fiber-optic end users in the Pacific Northwest expertise with the technology. The name "The Light Brigade" evolved from the concept of a group of specialists that could be called upon to assist clients with their fiber-optic needs and to serve as an engineering and installation consulting company. By the 1990s demand for training had grown, so the company minimized its contractor services, although high-level design and installation projects continued in order to acquire expertise for classroom applications. Over the last two decades, the company has trained more than 38,000 people from a wide variety of industries. The company is internationally recognized and is often invited to conduct short courses and to coordinate fiber-related special events at conferences around the world, including the annual Optical Fiber Conference, Outside Plant Expo, European Conference for Optical Communication, and many others.

The Light Brigade's instructors are technically skilled and have a wide variety of practical experience with fiber optic systems from small local telephone networks to sophisticated military facilities. Many have taught college-level courses in electronics and telecommunications. Others have built and operated fiber-optic networks or served as consultants for international companies. They are constantly evaluating new products and learning new techniques in order to maintain a leading-edge awareness of the industry.

Who We Teach

Our students and clients permeate the fiber optic workplace as technicians, engineers, installers, supervisors, network designers, managers and consultants from all industries using or planning to use optical systems. The companies we serve include:

• Telecommunications companies and network carriers
• Public utilities
• State, local and federal government agencies
• National and international military organizations
• Aerospace industries
• Electrical, telecom and data communications contractors
• Engineering and research institutes, K-12 schools, universities and colleges
• Other industries, including manufacturing, medical-related, security, broadcasting, financial, and more.
  

What We Teach

The Light Brigade's courses are technology based and teach techniques that are applicable to any product. The best equipment and supplies available are used, regardless of their manufacturer. The company offers standardized courses that are scheduled at locations around the country as well as at the company’s state-of-the-art training facility in Tukwila (Seattle), Washington.

The company offers two "self-study" courses that include a manual, reference materials and multiple DVDs featuring taped lectures, relevant movies, and additional bonus materials. These courses allow an individual to learn the content at their own pace and then attend a Light Brigade hands-on session at their convenience. The company also offers a self-paced FTTx/PON computer-based training module that features 300 content slides, 200 graphics and animations, and two interactive system design exercises.

The Light Brigade produces a series of professional-quality educational DVDs, which were a natural progression from its earlier video and CD materials. Utilizing interactive menus, these DVDs enable both the student and instructor to customize their training program, allow for unlimited review and provide refreshers on specific topics.

In addition, The Light Brigade offers educational development services in which courses can be customized to a desired skill level, to focus on specific subject matter, or to take place at a special location. Since its inception, the company has produce thousands of customized courses, DVDs, videos, and other training materials.

As the fiber-optic industry rebounds, the need for training will grow. The Light Brigade is positioned to be a catalyst in this rapidly evolving field, and the company will continue to help the communications industry advance… at the speed of light!