June 2019 Vol.74 No. 6
Newsline
WIA, PCCA Announce Collaboration to Train 5G Workforce
The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) and the Power and Communication Contractors Association (PCCA) are working together to expand training initiatives that will establish a stronger wireless workforce with the skills needed to deploy 5G networks.
PCCA has developed successful utility technician training programs at community colleges and plans to enhance them with WIA’s curricula on 5G skills. PCCA and WIA jointly briefed FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, who has made a priority of supporting 5G workforce development, on their plans.
Carr praised the initiative as “… more good news for 5G. Community colleges and technical schools are an ideal training ground for 5G jobs, and these programs will help ensure we have the skilled workforce in place to deploy next-gen networks. I look forward to working with PCCA and WIA to stand up more of these programs across the country, creating a pipeline for Americans to land good-paying infrastructure jobs,” he said.
WIA President and CEO Jonathan Adelstein agreed, saying “The WIA-PCCA initiative is a strong step toward building a 5G-ready workforce that Commissioner Carr has championed. Fiber is an integral part of 5G, so we need to train those laying it in properly connecting antennas, as well. To properly build the networks of tomorrow, we also need apprenticeships like those supported by TIRAP, in which PCCA members can participate, backed by this new training effort.”
PCCA President Dave Aubrey of Okay Construction predicts many positives from the initiative. “This collaboration will provide immeasurable benefits to participating companies, workers and the broader economy. We look forward to what will surely be a fruitful endeavor with WIA,” he said. “President Trump has spoken about the importance of 5G workforce development, and this partnership will help make his vision a reality.
“Our association represents the vast majority of companies constructing broadband networks across the country, and the industry continues to face considerable workforce capacity challenges,” Aubrey continued.
As the leading organization representing infrastructure businesses that enable mobile communications, WIA has developed the Telecommunication Education Center (TEC), a dynamic learning program designed to train the wireless workforce for the future.
PCCA, the premier organization for power and communications contractors, develops and endorses utility construction programs for technical schools and community colleges around the nation. •
Comments