For nearly 25 years, I’ve taught telecommunications — and one question always comes up: “Will this training or credential really help my career?”
It’s a fair question. Many technicians want more than just a job — they want a future. They want to know their work matters. And when I think of someone who embodies that journey, I think of Arni Lundale.
With 32 years in the field, Arni isn’t just a technician. He’s a change agent, mentor, educator and a quiet force who’s helped shape the industry from the ground up. Arni’s journey began in 1985 at CN Rail, where he not only worked as an apprentice but also successfully completed his signal and communication apprenticeship.
He climbed towers in biting wind, laid fiber optic lines in remote terrain, and discovered something deeper than technical skill: A love for solving problems, working with his hands and making a real impact.
He wasn’t chasing titles — he was chasing mastery.
A lifelong learner
In 1993, Arni joined MacLean-Hunter Cable TV as a service technician, where troubleshooting and customer service became core skills. The company transitioned to Rogers Communications and then Cogeco, but Arni’s curiosity was consistent: he always wanted to learn more and stayed proactive about building his skills.
He enrolled in NCTI courses, asked questions, and stayed curious.
Promoted to network maintenance in 2004, Arni found new challenges in the digital era of telecommunications. He started attending SCTE Chapter meetings, learned from webinars, and took advanced courses, earning credentials like “Senior Master Technician” from NCTI and broadband technical management certificates from Arapahoe Community College. His responsibilities grew — from core network operations to direct customer support — but what stood out most?
He started mentoring others, sharing field-tested wisdom, encouraging new techs to believe in themselves. He didn’t just build networks — he built people.
Driving Change Through Innovation
By 2017, Arni was a seasoned network field tech lead for proactive network maintenance (PNM), applying new troubleshooting methods learned through telecommunication online courses. He participated in working groups, the SCTE Ontario Chapter, contributed field expertise to standards and specification documentation and more.
He found joy in collaboration and pride in helping shape the future of telecommunications. His motto? “Never give up. Don’t quit. Keep learning.”
As Arni approaches retirement, he reflects on the balance between a demanding career and family life, proud of the impact and opportunities he’s embraced.
His advice is simple, but powerful: “Work hard. Listen to experts. Believe in yourself. You can be more than just a tech — and don’t forget to have fun along the way.”
Arni’s story isn’t just about one technician, it’s about what’s possible for all of us. People like Andy Parrott and Tom Rutledge started in technical roles and rose to become CEOs. The path is there. The question is: will you take it?
Let Arni’s journey inspire yours.
Explore the resources at Learning Alliance Corporation — and take the next step in your career, your growth and your impact.
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