Technology advisor and telecommunications company CTC announced a partnership with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) to create what it said is the first broadband-centered apprenticeship program for the states of Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, and North Dakota.
The apprenticeship program — designed for those who are new to telecommunications and want to pursue a career as a broadband technician — will provide on-the-job, instructor-led and online-based training. The program will cover the areas of industry standards, equipment installation, troubleshooting, and safety.
“CTC is proud to be partnering with the CWA to build the first Broadband Technician Apprenticeship Program in the region. Having access to this program and curriculum will allow us to hire workers with limited experience to become fully trained first-level technicians. This program opens opportunities for high school students wanting to go directly into the workforce post-graduation or for displaced workers to learn a new trade while being properly trained,” said CTC’s CEO and General Manager Kristi Westbrock.
CTC said in a press release that the organizations look forward to welcoming other providers from the region into the broadband apprenticeship program.
CWA Broadband JATC-Upper Midwest has been officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor as a Registered Apprenticeship Program sponsor and approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Division of Apprenticeship, according to the press release.
“As states continue to receive historic federal funding towards a nationwide broadband buildout, it’s critical that we have well-trained broadband technicians leading this work. CWA’s joint apprenticeship program will help lay that groundwork by developing highly-skilled broadband workers in Minnesota and the upper Midwest,” said CWA District 7 Vice President Susie McAllister.
“At CWA, we know what it means to build broadband right, and we’re excited to be helping new workers enter the field, while creating good jobs and boosting local economies.”
Based in Brainerd, Minnesota, CTC was formed in 1952 and has since grown into a full-service communications provider offering telephone, high-speed internet, digital television, and IT services.
CWA is considered the largest communications and media labor union in the U.S., with approximately 700,000 members.
Deborah Kish, vice president, research and workforce development for the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) recently discussed with Telecompetitor the importance of training broadband workers now — not after upcoming build-outs have already begun — in order to meet the coming needs of the broadband workforce.
