The $42.45 billion Broadband Equity Access and Development (BEAD) program is a significant step towards ensuring everyone in the U.S. has access to affordable high-speed internet. As states and territories prepare to receive funding to build broadband networks, a critical challenge emerges: the need to attract and retain a new generation of broadband workers. Women, comprising over half the population, can play a pivotal role in filling this gap and driving innovation in the broadband industry.
The BEAD Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) encourages outreach to women and other historically marginalized populations and create equitable pathways into broadband-related jobs.
While the industry offers numerous opportunities for women, it must first raise awareness about these possibilities. Additionally, challenges persist in securing necessary training, applying for jobs and navigating work environments — all of which must be addressed to ensure that high-speed internet deployment is efficient and inclusive.
Sparking early interest and awareness
Historically, the broadband industry has faced challenges in attracting and retaining female talent. A persistent stigma surrounding trade careers — often perpetuated by many parents, teachers and guidance counselors — has discouraged young women from pursuing these opportunities. This misconception, which suggests that skilled trade careers are less lucrative and primarily suited for men, has contributed to a significant gender gap within the industry.
Statistics underscore this disparity. While there continues to be elevated demand for workers in construction jobs, only 9% of the workers in construction sector are women.
This lack of diversity has far-reaching implications for the industry’s growth and innovation. To tackle this challenge, it's crucial to spark interest for careers in broadband from an early age and to highlight the variety of roles and financial benefits available to women.
Carrie Goetz, RCDD, CDCP, and author of Polly Packet’s Precious Payload — a children’s book that explains the internet, data centers and digital transmission — emphasized the importance of early education in an interview with Broadband Nation.
“I recently spoke to about 300 elementary kids, and only one raised their hand when I asked who knew what a data center was," she said. "In the early days, everything surrounding networks and data centers was ‘cloak and dagger.’ We did a huge disservice by not talking about these careers as purposeful paths for young people.”
Thankfully, there are slow signs of progress. The U.S. Department of Labor reports a significant increase in the number of women working in trades — more than doubling between 2014 and 2022.
This shift is partly due to growing awareness around the benefits of pursuing careers that don’t require a college degree, including avoiding high student debt. However, the industry must prioritize exposure and inclusivity to increase the momentum needed to build a broadband workforce.
Stephanie Staub, Director of Workforce Strategy for the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development, is excited to see more women entering the trades and highlighted the importance of role models.
“Young girls need tradespeople who they can emulate — someone who can give them a sense of belonging and who is passionate about sharing their knowledge," she explained to us. "Relationship-building is a huge factor in attracting all minority populations into broadband.”
In addition to addressing the overall lack of awareness, it’s important to highlight the variety of roles available.
While construction roles like tower technicians and underground installers are often associated with broadband deployment, the industry also has opportunities in fiber splicing, surveying, utility locating, field technician work, call center representative roles and more — all needed to build, maintain and service new and existing customers.
“While we see more women getting into the trades, women can be deterred from broadband jobs by the requirement to travel far distances for construction projects and other challenging conditions. All kinds of vital roles in broadband connectivity can empower and attract women, bringing essential digital access to communities everywhere. Jobs range from installation technicians who go into homes to install internet connectivity, technicians in data centers, call centers and plenty of other spaces." Communications Workers of America's (CWA's) Misty Robertson explained to us in an interview.
“Understanding these opportunities, getting hands-on experience, and connecting students with employers goes a long way toward increasing the pool of candidates and increasing the likelihood that they will stay in the career," she said.
While more needs to be done to increase awareness, some grassroots organizations are working to address K-12 audiences nationwide.
In 2023, TechCorps, which designs inclusive computer science and IT programs for students, directly impacted more than 2,000 students. The national education non-profit NAF works to help under-resourced students in more than 30 states develop skill sets for industries like broadband. National STEM organizations are working to host high-school career fairs, while local community colleges are holding boot camps and summer day programs to introduce high schoolers to broadband trade skills and local companies.
Robertson also suggested telecommunications employers re-initiate “bring your child to work” days. This can expose more youth to careers in broadband and partner with 501(c)(3) organizations that help women with job placement following incarceration, homelessness or drug rehabilitation.
Fostering an empowering environment where women thrive
Even women who recognize the opportunities in the broadband industry can face significant hurdles. These challenges range from limited access to jobs and training to parental leave.
Partnering with employers, CWA supports the needs of workers and advocates for gender equity in the trades. We need to make it easier for women to enter and maintain broadband careers, enhance accessibility for women traveling to and from job sites, and ensure more flexible application deadlines.
As noted by Staub, “If applications were due early in the morning, many women didn’t feel comfortable camping out in line overnight with other male applicants to get a good position," adding that "for single moms, it was virtually impossible. Thankfully, the mindset is changing. Unions are making it easier for women to apply, and several have created committees for women and minorities.” Staub also pointed out the need for accessible training more accommodating to women, such as evening and weekend classes.
Nell Geiser, a research and policy director with CWA working to get broadband apprenticeships up and running across the country, highlighted the role apprenticeship programs play in improving access to jobs and training for women in broadband.
“These programs help women earn while they learn. Many apprenticeship programs also work with wrap-around services for childcare, transportation and other barriers,” said Geiser.
Employers aiming to increase female representation in their workforce should focus on eliminating entry barriers, fostering an equitable and inclusive environment and offering ongoing development and support to ensure retention. By implementing these strategies, employers are not simply filling positions; they are crafting an empowered team poised to tackle future challenges.
Unified efforts pave the way for workforce development
While the National Telecommunications and Information Association (NTIA) — which is charged with overseeing the BEAD Program — encourages states to engage with underrepresented communities, including women, people of color, tribal communities, veterans and previously incarcerated individuals. A more comprehensive approach is needed to break down the barriers to broadband access.
Staub emphasized the importance of a collaborative ecosystem. “It takes a whole community — government entities, employers, community organizations, educators, and service providers — working together to identify gaps and prepare for broadband deployment. This ecosystem is vital for building the workforce we need.”
Maya Norvel, who heads up community affairs for Corning Optical Communications added in an interview with us that this two-way street benefits both the industry and the women who join it.
“The earning potential in the broadband industry is excellent, and by investing in women’s careers, we improve not only whole households but also entire communities. The vitality of the broadband industry depends on a diverse workforce that includes women.”
Interested in knowing more about the opportunities of the industry? Check out our jobs portal and Learning Center.