Industry Groups Launch BEAD Workforce Readiness Initiative in Florida

Broadband Nation, the Telecom Industry Association (TIA), and Questex launched an initiative last week to increase workforce readiness in Florida (see 2501160035). The state received $1.16 billion in BEAD funding to target about 170,000 unserved locations. The groups estimated a need for more than 20,000 trained workers to meet the demand. Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly welcomed the initiative. "We are building the workforce needed to support Florida's broadband industry," Kelly said. Broadband Nation is "ultimately contributing to the goal of connecting everyone," said Telecom Industry Association CEO Dave Stehlin. The groups are partnering with local colleges and technical training institutions throughout the state.