SA101 Smart Awards – Light Fibre Cabling Underground Training in Portadown, Northern Ireland
Duration: 1 Day
Locations: Portadown, Northern Ireland
Price: POA
The SA101 Smart Awards – Light Fibre Cabling Underground qualification provides learners with the core skills and knowledge needed to safely install light fibre cable or small-diameter sub-duct in the underground telecoms network.
Course Aim
This qualification teaches learners how to safely install fibre optic cables and sub-ducts using manual pulling techniques, while understanding the hazards and risks associated with underground telecoms structures.
Who Should Attend?
This course is ideal for:
- Fibre cabling installers
- Underground build teams
- Civils and utilities workers
- Fibre installation engineers
- Telecoms operatives responsible for underground network builds
Learners must be over 16 and physically able to work in underground environments.
Prerequisites
To enrol, learners must first complete:
- SA002 – Underground Safety
- SA006 – Safe Working in Civils
These ensure learners have the essential safety and civil engineering foundation before progressing to fibre installation.
Learning Objectives
During the course, learners will complete both practical and written tasks, including:
- Preparing duct routes and underground chambers
- Pulling fibre or sub-duct manually using an existing rope
- Installing brackets, block terminals and cable supports
- Managing cable tension and bend radius
- Checking for damage during and after installation
- Applying safe systems of work in confined or restricted spaces
- Hazards and risks of underground structures
- Safe working practices for underground telecoms installation
- Use of tools and equipment to manufacturer standards
- Protecting infrastructure during installation
Assessment Method
Learners must complete:
- Practical assessment – demonstration of safe fibre installation techniques
- Theory test – a short multiple-choice exam to assess underpinning knowledge
Both must be passed to achieve the qualification.
Accreditation
Upon successful completion of the course, learners receive a Smart Awards SA101 Certificate, valid for 3 years.
This certification is recognised across the telecoms, utilities, and civils sectors—supporting compliance, competence, and safe working practices.