Federal, state and local governments have approved over $100 billion in funding to close the digital divide and deliver reliable broadband to every home in the U.S. However, there is a massive workforce gap to the tune of over 200,000 qualified employees needed to build that infrastructure.
Broadband Nation is an exciting new resource that can help you find training and other opportunities to secure one of those job openings. Whether it’s in construction or customer service, these jobs help ensure more equitable access to opportunity and education to underserved communities in the country.
The need is great, the opportunities are many
Did you know that the U.S. has provided $42 billion for the broadband buildout currently underway around the country?
This funding means job openings — a lot of them. The jobs needed for the buildout span across a number of different trades and vocations.
The hiring processes and qualifications for some positions may seem vague and daunting — especially because of the technology and jargon involved in the work. But Broadband Nation is here to help with that. We can teach you about the different types of careers in broadband, what those careers require when it comes to training and salaries.
We also have a job portal that connects you to some of the most in-demand broadband jobs — such as fiber technicians, cell tower workers, cyber security experts, network engineers and more.
We will also give glimpses into the professional lives of folks who already work in these trades and share the insights they have gained within their respective fields.
No ideas? No plans? No worries. We can help.
Don't know what a career in broadband is? Not sure what any of these jobs or technologies even are? Don’t worry, you aren't alone.
Behind the initial learning curve are many opportunities that can mature into lucrative and meaningful careers that span decades and lead to leadership roles at major companies — even if you hadn't considered a role in broadband delivery.
“I had absolutely no plans of getting into [broadband],” said Trent Edwards, who — once an entry level [find out role] — is now CEO of Mears Broadband with nearly three decades in the industry. “What people don't understand about [broadband] is it's an absolute path to a great life and a great living.”
For Edwards, the traditional classroom setting was never stimulating or rewarding. While working on the physical side of broadband requires being "bold,” he believes the fulfilling impact of the work has always been clear.
“Everything is better with a high-capacity broadband connection. Healthcare systems are better, school systems are better, life in general is better,” he explained to Broadband Nation. “You're delivering that as an individual in this industry.”
How Broadband Nation works
Many companies are hiring for positions in broadband construction, customer service, fiber optics, and network technology. Broadband Nation works with training providers, industry alliances and organizations, colleges and technical schools to pull together the necessary education, scholarship information and job opportunities across the US.
Working in broadband can lead to a long and meaningful career, but just as importantly, it also means helping roll out high-speed internet access more quickly to the unconnected.
With our sponsors and our partnership with the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), Broadband Nation is here to help bridge a new workforce to the greater goal at hand.
“We recognize that there’s a big gap in the industry that we want to fill by creating a program to attract and train the younger generation to overcome a massive infrastructure challenge,” said David Stehlin, CEO at TIA.
“We’re calling it a mission, not just a job, but a mission to help the whole United States.”
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