AT&T and Corning Incorporated are receiving recognition from the White House for their work to strengthen the infrastructure talent pipeline.
AT&T and Corning Incorporated have joined forces to create a new training program focused on equipping thousands of technicians and network specialists across the industry with the skills crucial to design, engineer, install, and manage a growing fiber broadband network.
The Fiber Optic Training Program will be led by experts across the industry, housed in Corning facilities in North Carolina, and serve needs across the country. The program includes training on optical fiber and networking, network design, hands-on splicing, field construction for cable deployment, testing, and system turn-up. The training program will include network system lab visits, and technician ride-alongs. The program will also provide the opportunity for previous broadband technicians to re-enter the sector.
The partnerships were developed as part of the Infrastructure Talent Pipeline Challenge. The challenge, launched by the Biden-Harris Administration in June, is a nationwide call to action for employers, unions, education and training providers, states, local governments, Tribes, territories, philanthropic organizations, and other stakeholders to make tangible commitments that support equitable workforce development focused on three critical sectors: broadband, construction, and electrification.
President Joe Biden recently recognized the more than 350 organizations across the country that have made commitments to the program. Plans include creating or expanding pre-apprenticeships, registered apprenticeships, and other high-quality training programs; increasing recruitment among workers who are traditionally underrepresented in infrastructure sectors; and providing supportive services, such as child care and transportation assistance, to help workers overcome barriers to participating in apprenticeships and other training opportunities. In addition, more than 50 institutions of higher education—including more than 30 community colleges and five community and technical college systems—will advance equitable workforce development for infrastructure jobs.
“Connecting all Americans to robust broadband networks requires good policy to address affordability, adoption and access,” John Stankey, AT&T CEO, said. “Building these networks to close the digital divide depends on developing a highly skilled workforce through a diverse range of training efforts. That’s why we’ve joined with Corning to create programs to prepare entry-level high-tech workers, and we also are working with the Communications Workers of America to explore on-the-job training with apprenticeship programs for new and current employees. We believe every American should be connected to the internet, which requires effective public-private partnerships that stimulate investment in underserved communities, voluntarily tackles affordability issues and builds a more skilled workforce in our local communities.”
