2019 WIA Awards Raise Over $400,000 for Wireless Workforce Development

Ceremony Honored Brendan Carr, AT&T’s Susan Johnson, Reps. Matsui and Guthrie as Wireless Workforce Champions

Arlington, Va.- The second annual WIA Awards generated over $400,000 for wireless workforce education and training initiatives. The awards honored champions of the wireless workforce by celebrating members of Congress, the FCC, and industry who have made major contributions to develop the wireless workforce needed to build America’s 5G wireless networks. The event was held last night at the Conrad Hotel in Washington, DC.

“5G will transform virtually every industry in the country and drive massive economic growth – in fact, a half a trillion a year in economic activity,” said WIA President and CEO Jonathan Adelstein as he opened the ceremony. “That means the whole country is depending on us – the people and companies represented here tonight – to get this done, get it done right, and get it done fast. If we don’t have the workforce trained with the skills we need, we can’t win the global race to lead in 5G.”

The annual event, hosted by the WIA Foundation, benefits wireless education, training, and apprenticeships, such as the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP) and the Telecommunications Education Center. Prior to the ceremony, WIA also offered a 5G Outlook and Technologies Course through the Telecommunications Education Center (TEC).

The full list of honorees and their award titles are below, along with photos and a link to the TIRAP video unveiled at the ceremony. 

• Brendan Carr, FCC Commissioner: Wireless Workforce Champion
• Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Calif.): Wireless Workforce Champion
• Congressman Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.): Wireless Workforce Champion
• Susan Johnson, EVP of Global Connections & Supply Chain, AT&T: Distinguished Service Award
• TIRAP video available here: https://wia.org/video/tirap/
• See photos below

For additional quotes, photos or follow up press inquiries, please contact: Amy-Gabrielle Bartolac | Public Affairs Manager
703-621-0527 | Amy-Gabrielle.Bartolac@wia.org

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