QUALIFICATION & ACCREDITATION AT FIBRE OPTICS TRAINING UK
At Fibre Optics Training UK, operated by TNS Europe Ltd, we are dedicated to providing the highest standards of training in the telecommunications and network infrastructure industries. Accreditation is at the heart of what we do, ensuring that our courses meet rigorous quality standards set by leading industry bodies. Our commitment to accredited training means that every qualification earned through our programmes is recognised and respected across the industry. Not all training providers offer the same knowledge and expertise, especially regarding theory and practical training. Don’t always choose the cheapest as the saying goes “You get what you pay for”
We understand that there is a clear distinction between accreditation and vocational training. Accreditation often involves attending an approved provider that trains to their standards, but it doesn’t always meet broader, industry-recognised benchmarks. Vocational training, on the other hand, adheres to official frameworks like OFQUAL and involves thorough assessments, closed-book exams, and practical skill-based learning. This ensures qualifications are earned through hard work and reflects a deeper understanding of industry standards.
Whether you are seeking to expand your skills, advance your career, or ensure compliance with industry regulations, our accredited courses offer practical, hands-on training that will prepare you for the latest industry standards. Our qualifications are backed by renowned organisations such as the Fibre Optic Association (FOA), City & Guilds, the Energy and Utilities Skills Register (EUSR), and The Confederation of Fibre Optics and Network Infrastructure & Installers (COFNII). Each of these bodies plays a critical role in ensuring our training is comprehensive and relevant to today’s telecommunications landscape and future challenges. COFNII is working with awarding bodies to develop new qualifications for enterprise and telecommunications network infrastructure. These qualifications will be level 3 and above and are more advanced with career progression.
At Fibre Optics Training UK, we believe in preparing professionals with the practical and theoretical knowledge needed to succeed. Our courses, including the FOA Certified Fibre Optic Technician (CFOT) and City & Guilds 3668 level 2 and level 3 qualification schemes, reflect global standards like IEC, EN 50173, EN 50174, and ISO 11801. Through our work with the COFNII trade association, we also address the need for quality control in training, stamping out poorly accredited schemes and ensuring that our members complete rigorous training to maintain a high level of competence in the field. The COFNII plays a critical role in ensuring our training is comprehensive and relevant to today’s telecommunications landscape and future challenges.
The card scheme allows organisations and end clients to validate not only individuals but also the organisations they work for to ensure they are correctly installing and maintaining networks. The IT digital and telecommunications infrastructure is not regulated, and this card provides a reliable way to verify the competence and qualifications of professionals in the field. The card scheme will also hold individuals and organisations accountable, which means the card and membership can be revoked. Should an individual or organisation be reported to COFNII for poor quality and sub-standard work? Organisations throughout the enterprise and telecommunications sector have called for this to happen.
By choosing Fibre Optics Training UK, you are not just qualifying; you are joining a network of professionals dedicated to maintaining the highest level of expertise and industry success. Our requalification process every three years ensures that you stay updated on the latest standards and technologies, providing you with ongoing support and development opportunities.
The Confederation of Fibre Optics and Network Infrastructure (Cofnii)
Before the inception of The Confederation of Fibre Optics and Network Infrastructure & Installers, service providers, installers, and organisations wanted a different approach to installation and better quality control.
So, after listening to various concerns from a number of alternative network providers and many a lesson learnt, most things pointed to the lack of quality training, as individuals and small contractors were misled about the correct qualifications.
There are many types of training, and as the industry has learnt, there are two types of training: accreditation and vocational training.
Our aim is to provide a clear understanding of these training types.
CITY & GUILDS ACCREDITED
We are proud to be delivering City & Guilds 3668-02 Communications Cabling. Total Network Solutions have been delivering various training schemes since 2009. This qualification has been around for over 20 years and is highly recognised throughout the Telecommunications and data network cabling industry. It was introduced because of the specialist skills required in fibre optic and network data cabling. The course is continually updated and relates to the latest standards.
EUSR
The Energy and Utility Skills Register cards are more specific to the utilities industry where it covers each specific industry and is endorsed by and affiliated to CSCS each sector it covers is as follows:
Power
Gas
Water
Telecommunications
Waste
SMART AWARDS
The telecommunication industry has chosen Smart Awards as their Awarding Body of choice and to be at the forefront of new qualification developments.
This ensures that employers and learners can access qualifications to meet the specific needs of industry. We are approved by SQA Accreditation to offer regulated qualifications in Scotland. Our qualifications are available for delivery through our network of approved quality assured centres.
