Broadband Workforce | Wireless Infrastructure Association

The Wireless Infrastructure Association is a trusted workforce development resource experienced in facilitating federal and state investments in sector-based partnerships, Registered Apprenticeship, and training solutions for broadband.

Investing in Workforce Development Through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the BEAD program permits states and territories (States) to use BEAD funding for workforce development to support broadband deployment. Programs eligible for funding include Registered Apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, and community college and/or vocational training for broadband-related occupations.

To access funding, States need to include plans to develop and promote sector-based partnerships in their workforce development strategies. These sector-based partnerships will bring together relevant stakeholders from government, industry, education, and training providers to develop, implement, and promote broadband workforce training programs.

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Partnering with WIA will help ensure States have the workforce development strategies needed to meet the requirements of the BEAD program and build a highly skilled broadband workforce.

Partnership Opportunities

Expanding Registered Apprenticeships

WIA is uniquely positioned to help States expand this proven model for workforce development as the National Sponsor of the Department of Labor (DOL) registered Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP).

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Leading Sector-Based Partnerships for Workforce Development

As an experienced industry intermediary, WIA convenes employers, education and training providers, and state workforce systems, serving as a liaison to identify skills gaps, create industry-focused curricula on broadband technologies, and implement workforce development programs.

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Sector-Based Partnerships for Broadband Workforce Development

Want to learn more about how to start and lead an effective sector-based partnership for broadband workforce development? Here are the steps states can take to develop and promote successful partnerships.

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America Achieves’ Broadband Workforce Report

America Achieves recently released a report with a playbook to help states and territories develop their broadband workforce strategies for the BEAD program. Read the report for more information on key requirements of the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the BEAD program and examples of broadband workforce development strategies.

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WIA Can Help States Lead effective Sector-Based Partnerships for Broadband Workforce Development

As the leading developer of industry-driven curricula and training for broadband, WIA was selected as the Industry Intermediary to lead Ohio’s “Broadband and 5G Sector Partnership” alongside The Ohio State University. WIA helps lead the Partnership in creating curricula on broadband and 5G technologies, serving as a liaison between industry stakeholders and the Partnership to create successful training programs for the state.

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Partnering with Ohio to Develop and Implement New Broadband Training Solutions

Through a partnership with the Ohio Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, WIA developed and delivered a first-of-its-kind “5G Readiness Program” at Youngstown State University and Ashland University. This program equips students with the latest competencies required to design and deploy broadband infrastructure and is the first step to employment in the new 5G workforce.

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