Building the New Broadband Workforce: What State Leaders Need to Know about Finding and Training Workers in Rural and Geographically Diverse Communities
As billions of dollars from the federal infrastructure law begin to flow, state officials and internet service providers face a tall task: Ensuring a sufficiently skilled workforce to accomplish ambitious plans for broadband internet access while recruiting and training workers in rural and geographically diverse communities
Employers are competing for talent with other industries seeking similar workers, while officials are trying to determine the most efficient use of public investments to support job training.
In this webinar, attendees will:
- Get a practical overview of how two states are implementing broadband workforce development programs that align community colleges, workforce agencies, employers, and other partners.
- Find out about tried-and-true public policies that help nontraditional workers find on-ramps into the industry and improve retention of existing workers.
- Get an overview of how state Labor Market Information and data resources can inform upskilling and retraining efforts.
- Learn how broadband leaders can capitalize not just on BEAD but on other public investments to develop the workforce they need, in rural communities, exurban areas, and beyond.
