In an era where reliable internet connectivity is increasingly recognized as essential, expanding broadband services to rural areas has become crucial for many states. That doesn’t mean it’s easy. Oklahoma, with its vast rural landscapes, has faced significant challenges connecting underserved communities.
To address these obstacles, Chisholm Broadband, an Internet Service Provider (ISP) in Oklahoma, embarked on an ambitious initiative to expand its workforce and service area. Three key organizations—Learning Alliance Corporation (LAC), Northwest Technology Center (NWTC), and Rent a Recruiter—formed a sector partnership to help Chisholm Broadband achieve its labor and expansion goals.
Building a Worthy Workforce
Chisholm Broadband aimed to expand its workforce by 55 technicians to support rural expansion across cities like Enid, Elk City, Colgate, and Woodward. The challenge was to fill these positions with qualified candidates quickly and ensure they received comprehensive, industry-standard training.
This initiative was vital not only for Chisholm Broadband’s growth, but also to improve internet access in rural Oklahoma, enhancing residents’ quality of life and economic opportunities.
“The urgency of the project required a rapid, coordinated response,” said Cesar Ruiz, CEO of LAC. “We knew that meeting these goals would have a significant impact on the communities served by Chisholm Broadband.”
The Sector Partnership Model: A Creative Collaboration
The sector partnership model is a collaborative approach that brings together businesses, educational institutions, workforce development organizations, and community partners to address shared industry needs.
In this case, LAC served as the convener, NWTC acted as the support partner, and Rent a Recruiter provided recruitment expertise. Together, they formed an effective team that addressed Chisholm Broadband’s workforce needs while setting a foundational model that other states can leverage in the future.
LAC: The Convener
As the convener, LAC aligned the goals and resources of the partnership. LAC provided Chisholm Broadband with licensed training programs leading to industry-recognized credentials. These programs were essential for equipping new technicians with the skills and knowledge required to meet industry standards.
“We crafted a tailored training program that was not only rigorous but directly aligned with the needs of Chisholm Broadband,” noted Ruiz. The training included courses on climbing safety, rescue techniques, basic rigging, cable management, OSHA regulations, CPR/First Aid/Blood Borne Pathogens, and CAD welding. “Our goal was to ensure that every technician was well-prepared to meet the demands of the job from day one,” Ruiz added.
Additionally, LAC, as a Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship sponsor, established apprenticeship pathways that combined on-the-job training with related technical instruction, offering career progression opportunities within the company. All 18 participants were enrolled in an RF Technician program with industry-required credentials provided at the beginning of their employment. They also gained access to a learning library with 13,500 courses, with additional pathways for leadership, environmental health and safety, and advanced telecommunications training.
Grant writing and administrative services were also provided by LAC, connecting Chisholm Broadband to various funding initiatives, alleviating the financial burden of the workforce development processes.
NWTC: The Support Partner
NWTC played a critical role, providing the infrastructure and connections necessary for the training programs. NWTC coordinated with Oklahoma’s workforce development board and state representatives, ensuring alignment with state goals and securing necessary support from government agencies.
“At NWTC, our vision and mission push us to create success in education, the workplace, and life by initiating opportunities through high quality educational experiences,” explained Jason Wallace, BIS Director of the NWTC.
NWTC also developed a replicable training and certification program for ISPs, addressing the unique challenges faced by rural broadband providers.
“In these few short months, the partnership with LAC and Chisholm Broadband provided hands- on training to a multitude of demographics including veteran, minority, underserved, and underrepresented populations,” Wallace said.
Rent a Recruiter: The Recruitment Specialist
Rent a Recruiter was the community partner, allowing Chisholm Broadband to focus on core operations. It operates as a Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) organization, representing the employer and their job openings. Rent a Recruiter assumed the responsibilities of vetting resumes, pre-interviewing candidates and setting up interviews for Chisholm Broadband.
The effort was a resounding success, with 890 applicants generated over two weeks across 7 locations, with 51 interviews scheduled and 11 official hires completed. “What Rent a Recruiter and LAC did in two weeks would have taken us six months to accomplish,” Isaac Harris, Vice President of Chisholm Broadband stated to State Representatives and the NWTC.
A Replicable Success Story
The collaboration successfully trained and employed 18 individuals. It provided a replicable framework for other organizations and regions, highlighting the impact of strategic partnerships in workforce development.
“This partnership is a clear example of how sector collaborations can drive real, measurable outcomes,” Ruiz said. The starting pay for the newly hired technicians was $20 per hour, creating an economic impact of $782,800 annually. Plus, participants praised the training programs with average ratings of 4.9 to 5 in categories including instructional effectiveness, organization, and overall course quality.
By bringing together businesses, educational institutions, and recruitment specialists, this partnership met Chisholm Broadband’s immediate needs and set a standard for others, according to Ruiz.
The efforts of LAC, NWTC, and Rent a Recruiter offer a blueprint for success that can be adapted to meet various industries’ unique workforce needs. As demand for broadband services grows, Oklahoma’s experience provides valuable insights for driving economic growth and improving job opportunities in rural communities nationwide. “The success of this initiative shows what is possible when the right people come together with a common goal,” concluded Ruiz.
To learn more about these organizations, go to: https://www.mylearningalliance.com/, https://nwtech.edu/, and https://www.rentandrecruit.com/. Access the full study here.
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