Contributed Article
The broadband industry is at a crossroads, facing an unprecedented challenge that could shape the future of digital infrastructure in the U.S.
By: Deborah Kish, Vice President of Workforce Development and Research, Fiber Broadband Association
The rapid expansion of broadband, fueled by federal and state funding, particularly through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, has created an urgent need for skilled workers.
The ability to bridge the digital divide depends on solving a workforce crisis that could delay essential projects for years. Addressing these workforce gaps is crucial for the timely deployment of broadband to underserved areas, which will help transform communities, industries, and economies across the country.
Workforce demand
The demand for broadband infrastructure has never been greater. The need to build, operate, and maintain networks is stretching the existing workforce to its limits. A recent study conducted by the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA), the Power and Communications Contractors Association (PCCA), and Continuum Capital highlights the magnitude of this issue.
According to the study, 180,000 new workers will be needed over the next decade to meet the demand for broadband construction, maintenance, and expansion. These workers will be critical to delivering the broadband services promised by the BEAD program and other public and private funding initiatives.
In the short team, the study identifies an urgent need for 28,000 construction workers and 30,000 broadband technicians to avoid bottlenecks and delays that could push critical projects two to three years behind schedule. Without swift action to recruit and train workers, many broadband projects risk being left unfinished, leaving communities waiting longer for essential services.
However, a rush to fill these positions can have serious implications. If workers are hurriedly trained or projects are expedited without sufficient oversight, it can lead to poor workmanship, compromising the quality and reliability of the networks being built. This can be frustrating for subscribers and incur additional costs for repair and corrections, leading to longer timelines for completing projects. The industry must prioritize quality over speed, as cutting corners will only prolong the process of delivering reliable broadband services to underserved communities.
Over the next 10 years, an additional 119,200 workers will be needed to replace those retiring or leaving the workforce due to other factors. This number reflects the inevitable attrition within the industry and underscores the importance of long-term workforce planning.
Role of BEAD funding
The BEAD program represents a historic investment in broadband infrastructure, injecting billions into the effort to connect unserved and underserved communities across the country. This influx of funding comes with challenges, particularly the pressure it places on an already overstretched workforce. The scale of the investment is a disruptive force in the broadband market, and without a sufficient number of skilled workers, many projects face significant delays.
Funding timelines also pose a risk. Some BEAD-funded projects have strict legislative deadlines that must be met. If the workforce shortage continues, it could jeopardize the ability of states and contractors to complete their projects before the funding expires. The risk of leaving communities disconnected due to workforce shortages makes it critical to address these gaps now. By proactively addressing this issue now, we can ensure a steady pipeline of skilled workers and position the industry for long-term success.
Strategies to address workforce needs
To prevent delays and ensure the success of broadband expansion efforts, a multifaceted approach is needed. Several strategies can help meet the growing demand for skilled workers.
Workforce development funding and programs is one of the most critical solutions to the issue. Programs like the FBA’s Optical Telecom Installer Certification (OpTIC Path™) are already training fiber broadband technicians and helping close the skills gap. By working with community colleges and other educational institutions the OpTIC Path program is setting the stage for a new generation of fiber technicians.
To fill the massive number of vacancies in the broadband industry, it’s essential to expand the hiring pool beyond traditional pipelines like high schools and trade schools. Employers and state agencies are increasingly looking to underserved populations, such as veterans, non-native English speakers, and even individuals within the corrections and rehabilitative systems, as potential sources of talent. This approach not only helps address the workforce shortage but also creates opportunities for individuals seeking new careers.
The broadband industry must also work to generate greater enthusiasm for technical jobs, which are sometimes overshadowed by the push for four-year college degrees. Practical, immersive experience can make technical jobs more appealing and help shift the perception that a college degree is the only path to a successful career. For example, students who were initially disinterested in splicing fiber shifted their perceptions once they saw the light source travel through the cable.
To remain competitive in today’s market, companies must offer more than just a paycheck. Benefits like childcare support, scholarships, and sign-on bonuses can attract new talent and help retain experienced workers. Company culture is also critical. Offering supportive management, comprehensive onboarding procedures, and career development opportunities can create a more rewarding environment for employees.
WIA’s career pathway tool
One of the most recent innovations in workforce development comes from the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA). Its Career Pathways tool is a first-of-its-kind digital platform that provides job seekers with a clear roadmap for advancing within the broadband industry. The tool offers insights into more than 90 different roles within the sector, from fiber design and construction to network maintenance and support.
With information on training and education requirements, salary expectations and career progression paths, the Career Pathways tool is designed to help job seekers visualize their future in broadband. Whether someone is new to the industry or looking to take the next step in their career, this platform offers valuable guidance. It also supports broader workforce development by giving policymakers, educators, and employers a way to align their efforts within industry needs.
A critical juncture for broadband
The broadband industry is at a critical juncture. Without a sufficient workforce the digital divide will persist, and the promise of high-speed connectivity will remain unfulfilled in many communities. Addressing the workforce gap requires a comprehensive strategy that includes expanding workforce development programs, recruiting from diverse hiring pools, and shifting attitudes towards technical careers. Tools like FBA’s OpTIC Path and the WIA’s Career Pathways tool are essential for shaping the future of the broadband workforce. These programs not only provide the training and resources necessary to close the skills gap, but also empower individuals to build meaningful, long-lasting careers in the industry.
The broadband ecosystem must work together to develop a workforce strategy that will meet the demands of today and the future. With collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers, educators, and workers, the promise of universal fiber broadband can become a reality, transforming lives and economies for decades to come.
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