The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) and the Power & Communication Contractors Association (PCCA) said the Department of Labor (DoL) approved two new occupations for apprenticeship training through WIA’s Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP). The new jobs are Overhead Utility Installer Technician and Underground Utility Installer Technician.
“Not only does this approval from DoL demonstrate that there is a national focus on the need to train for the jobs of tomorrow, but it also offers additional career pathways for those who want to enter the growth industry of communications,” said WIA President/CEO Jonathan Adelstein. “WIA, along with PCCA, is committed to launching, promoting, and expanding apprenticeships to support workforce development in our high-growth industries. With DoL’s support, we’re able to expand opportunities for underrepresented populations and support long-term careers to cultivate diversity in the workforce.”
“Overhead and underground utilities are essential to both the national deployment of 5G wireless networks and modern electric power infrastructure,” said PCCA President/CEO Tim Wagner. “Our members excel at these endeavors and now seek to build upon our success by partnering with WIA to develop and further expand our workforce to meet growing demands.”
WIA, with partner organization PCCA, is leading a national effort to expand the size, quality, and diversity of the telecommunications industry workforce. DoL has recognized WIA as the National Sponsor of TIRAP and as the Industry Intermediary for telecommunications apprentice programs. DoL is supporting these efforts with significant resources to expand WIA’s TIRAP program. TIRAP offers 11 occupations within its training program and more than 33 employers and 2,000 apprentices are registered.
Graduates of TIRAP apprenticeships receive national, portable, industry-recognized credentials that certify proficiency in specific occupations. According to the DoL, 94 percent of apprentices retain employment after an apprenticeship program ends. It cites additional benefits such as reducing turnover, improving productivity, and recruiting a skilled and diverse workforce.
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