Building the Broadband Workforce to Bridge the Digital Divide

Building the Broadband Workforce to Bridge the Digital Divide

As the broadband industry anticipates an unprecedented wave of federal and state-funded network builds, workforce readiness has emerged as a top priority. Recent research sponsored by the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) and the Power & Communications Contractors Association (PCCA) highlights the expected growth of fiber broadband networks nationwide over the next five to seven years and identifies the critical workforce and training needs to support this expansion. 

The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program represents an extraordinary opportunity to bridge the digital divide in underserved communities. With BEAD funding set to accelerate large-scale network builds across the country, preparing a skilled workforce is crucial to realizing these ambitious goals. State-level workforce development programs, like FBA’s OpTIC Path™ training course, aim to address this need by equipping new candidates with essential technical skills while empowering experienced technicians to further develop their expertise. 

“With the BEAD projects slated for 2025, we desperately need a skilled workforce that will build, maintain, and operate fiber networks, and a critical component of that is training,” said Deborah Kish, Vice President, Research and Workforce Development at the FBA. “Fiber technicians need specialized skills, and programs like our OpTIC Path™ training course, we’re not just equipping new candidates with essential skills but also empowering experienced technicians to further develop their expertise.”

FBA and PCCA’s research forecasts the need for a substantial workforce expansion to meet the BEAD-driven broadband deployment demands. Within the next decade, the industry will need to add more than 28,000 new construction workers and 30,000 fiber technicians nationwide, with an additional need to replace up to 56,000 retiring employees across these roles. This demand includes specialized project management, design, inspection, and maintenance staff to support the broadband construction and operational processes. 

“The rate at which we’re going to have to grow this workforce over the next five years is staggering, and we need to make sure that training is not just available, but scalable and relevant to the needs of BEAD funding,” said Mark Bridgers, Principal at Continuum Capital. 

To meet these needs, workforce development programs tailored to the broadband sector are essential. State and local agencies are being encouraged to collaborate with training providers like FBA’s OpTIC Path, which provides standardized training in fiber installation and maintenance. This course, along with other state-level initiatives, offers students a direct path to sustainable, in-demand careers that support local economies and the national goal of universal broadband access. 

“The future of our digital infrastructure depends on how well we prepare the workforce of tomorrow,” Bridger shared. “The goal is to not just close the digital divide, but also create lasting, well-paying jobs in communities that have been left behind in broadband access.”

The urgency of workforce development in the broadband industry goes beyond immediate employment opportunities; it’s about laying the foundation for a resilient digital infrastructure. As Kish highlighted, “With the skills gained through programs like OpTIC Path, technicians are prepared not just for initial builds but for ongoing maintenance and operation of these critical networks, ensuring they stay robust and dependable over time.” 

The drive to expand fiber broadband presents a chance to create long-term, impactful careers in technology and infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas. Programs funded by BEAD  are not just about connecting more households; they’re also about fostering economic growth and digital equity in communities that need it most. 

For a deeper dive into the latest insights on broadband workforce development, listen to the newest episode of the Fiber for Breakfast podcast. 

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