Aiken Technical College Receives $2.45M to Expand Tower Training Program

Aiken Technical College received a $2.45 million grant from the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training competitive grant program to expand its tower-installation training program. Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez, and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced the funding last week as part of $450 million in grants awarded nationwide to train Americans and connect them with businesses looking for skilled workers. The tower training program launched in November 2013, and prepares students for entry-level jobs in the wireless communications industry. The program was the first of its kind offering an indoor training facility, and now has over 70 graduates. “Aiken Technical College is grateful to receive this $2.45 million grant, and proud to be able to expand the college’s nationally-recognized tower installation program to train technicians in this high-demand field,” ATC Vice President for Education and Training Dr. Gemma Frock said. “Industry and workforce growth, coupled with the importance of safety and adequate training in the wireless tower installation industry, are central to ATC’s commitment to serving this important need and simultaneously bringing opportunities to the workforce of our region.”