Fiber Broadband Association and Wireless Infrastructure Association Join Forces to Strengthen Broadband Workforce Development

The Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) and the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) have entered into a Collaborative Workforce Development Agreement to advance critical workforce education and training for the broadband communications industry. With $42.45 billion in Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) 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. To meet that demand, industry, and government must join hands to address workforce gaps. This agreement helps to promote both associations’ workforce development programs: the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP) which is nationally sponsored by WIA for broadband and 5G technicians and the FBA’s Optical Telecom Installer Certification (OpTIC Path) program that trains fiber technicians. The associations will work together to promote Registered Apprenticeship, develop a world-class curriculum, establish industry-recognized credentials and certifications, and articulate career pathways. Additionally, the FBA  will work to promote TIRAP apprenticeship programs within its existing and future network of community colleges and other learning institutions that offer the OpTIC Path course.