Ohio Announces New Broadband Infrastructure Training Program

Lieutenant Gov Jon Husted (R-OH) is launching the newly designed Broadband Infrastructure Training Program at Buckeye Hills Career Center in Rio Grande (OH). Students will go through an approximately 12-week interactive learning journey that includes the design, installation, and service components of broadband networks. Along with the technical understanding of broadband technologies and associated hands-on exercises, the training emphasizes the safety, customer service, and digital literacy aspects of the network buildout process. Graduates of this program will help supply the telecommunications industry in Ohio with the talent needed to expand broadband access in the state. The State of Ohio is contributing $50,000 to launch the pilot program at Buckeye Hills Career Center. This includes funding for the curriculum, equipment, supplies, and tuition assistance needed to launch the pilot, with Buckeye Hills Career Center sustaining the program after the pilot phase ends. Following the initial pilot program, a reassessment will be facilitated, and necessary updates made, before distributing the program to other educational institutions and training providers so they can take advantage of the program and launch it within their local communities.