Associations Agree to Collaborate on Workforce Training

The Fiber Broadband Association and the Wireless Infrastructure Association entered into a Collaborative Workforce Development Agreement aimed at advancing education and training, the groups said Wednesday. Both already have training programs -- WIA’s Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program and FBA’s Optical Telecom Installer Certification program. “With $42.45 billion in Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment funding for broadband infrastructure, in addition to the $80 billion invested annually by the broadband industry, there has never been more demand to build broadband networks,” the groups said: “The associations will work together to promote Registered Apprenticeship, develop world-class curriculum, establish industry-recognized credentials and certifications, and articulate career pathways.”