WIA Awarded $29.9 Million to Expand Registered Apprenticeships for Telecommunications Workforce

Department of Labor’s Pay-for-performance funding will help employers establish and sustain Registered Apprenticeship programs that build the skilled workforce needed for America’s digital future

ARLINGTON, VA — The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) today announced it has been selected to receive $29.9 million in funding through a US. Department of Labor (DOL) cooperative agreement designed to help employers establish and maintain registered apprenticeship programs.

The award will enable WIA to provide participating employers with pay-for-performance incentives that support the development, expansion, and long-term success of apprenticeship programs across the telecommunications industry. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the workforce needed to design, deploy, and maintain the networks that power America’s economy and digital future.

“America’s ability to lead in the next generation of connectivity depends on more than infrastructure investments alone. It depends on the skilled workers who build and maintain that infrastructure,” said Patrick Halley, President and CEO of WIA. “This funding will help employers create more pathways into high-quality telecommunications careers through apprenticeships while addressing critical workforce needs across the wireless and broadband sectors.”

As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, the telecommunications industry is laying the groundwork for emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, advanced wireless networks, and future connectivity solutions. Expanding Registered Apprenticeship opportunities is essential to developing the highly skilled workforce needed to support these innovations and meet the growing demand for complex communications infrastructure.

“Just as previous generations invested in the people who built America’s railroads, highways, and broadband networks, we must invest in the workforce that will build the networks of the future,” said Tim House, Chief Operating Officer of WIA. “Apprenticeships connect individuals directly to opportunity and ensure that communities across the country can participate in and benefit from the digital economy.”

Through this agreement, and building on its leadership in registered apprenticeship through TIRAP (Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program), WIA will work with employers to expand access to registered apprenticeships, a proven workforce development model that combines paid, on-the-job training with instruction and mentorship. Apprenticeships create opportunities for veterans, students, career changers, and workers seeking in-demand careers while helping employers develop a reliable pipeline of skilled talent.

WIA brings extensive experience to this effort through its role as the national sponsor of the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP). Through TIRAP, WIA supports employers every step of the way, making it easier to launch and sustain registered apprenticeship programs that meet their workforce needs. To date, TIRAP has helped more than 100 employers train over 7,000 apprentices across 16 broadband and wireless occupations. The program has also distributed more than $2.3 million in previous incentive funding, enabling employers to invest directly in the growth and expansion of their apprenticeship programs.

“This award builds on the success we’ve seen through TIRAP and reflects the growing recognition that registered apprenticeship programs are one of the most effective ways to address workforce shortages in our industry,” said Deb Bennett, Vice President of Apprenticeship at WIA. “We know what works, and we’re excited to expand these opportunities to even more employers and workers nationwide.”

The initiative will support workforce development efforts in communities nationwide, helping employers recruit, train, and retain skilled telecommunications workers. By leveraging performance-based incentives, the program is designed to encourage sustainable apprenticeship programs that deliver measurable outcomes for both employers and workers.

Demand for skilled telecommunications professionals continues to grow as network deployment accelerates and new technologies increase the need for qualified technicians and infrastructure professionals. The agreement will help ensure the industry is prepared to meet those workforce demands while creating pathways to good-paying careers in every region of the country.

For more information about WIA’s workforce development initiatives and registered apprenticeship programs, visit www.WIA.org and www.TIRAP.org

About WIA

The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) represents the businesses that build, develop, own, and operate the nation’s wireless communications infrastructure. Through advocacy, workforce development, education, and industry collaboration, WIA supports the deployment of wireless broadband and the advancement of connectivity across the United States.

About TIRAP

The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) is the Industry Intermediary for the telecommunications industry and the National Sponsor of the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP). Since 2017, WIA has administered National Standards of Apprenticeship for DOL-approved occupations established under the program. Graduates receive national, industry-recognized credentials that certify occupation proficiency and expand opportunities for career advancement. WIA supports participating employers in promoting consistency and uniformity in training across occupations to improve the safety and quality of the wireless and broadband workforce.