WIA, TIRAP Join US Dept of Labor in Marking 10th Annual National Apprenticeship Week

TIRAP Announces American Samoan Company as 107th Employer Sponsor

ARLINGTON, VA – National Apprenticeship Week is November 17-23, 2024 and the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) is pleased to join the US Department of Labor (DOL), employers, apprentices and graduates, and others to showcase the successes and value of Registered Apprenticeship.

“Since 2017, WIA has been proud to lead TIRAP, the Telecommunication Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program,” said Patrick Halley, President and CEO, WIA. “With more than 100 employers participating and nearly 5,900 apprentices trained to date, TIRAP is successfully helping broadband employers address workforce needs and train job seekers for well-paying careers. We are proud to celebrate NAW with the US Department of Labor and thank the Department for its support for registered apprenticeship programs within the broadband industry.”

WIA is the Industry Intermediary for Telecommunications and serves as the National Sponsor of TIRAP, a DOL-registered apprenticeship program. WIA administers National Standards of Apprenticeship for 16 DOL-approved occupations established under the program. Graduates receive national, industry-recognized credentials that certify occupation proficiency and expand opportunities for career advancement.

TIRAP Brings on 107^th Company

In conjunction with NAW, WIA today announced ASTCA as the 107^th participating employer in TIRAP. Located in Pago Pago, ASTCA is a government agency that provides telecommunications services in American Samoa.

“ASTCA is dedicated to connecting American Samoa to the world and we’re proud to partner with WIA and TIRAP to ensure we have the skilled workforce needed to serve our customers,” said Falelimu Chuck Leota, CEO, ASTCA. “By joining TIRAP, we will take our Tower and Fiber Optic Technician training to the next level and begin on-the-job training for these critical occupations.”

ASTCA is one of more than 100 participating employers nationwide offering apprenticeships for employees that align with TIRAP’s 16 occupation outlines. WIA’s TIRAP supports participating employers in promoting consistency and uniformity in training across occupations to improve the safety and quality of the wireless and broadband workforce.

“We are honored to announce ASTCA as the 107th employer sponsor to join TIRAP, our Registered Apprenticeship program,” said Deb Bennett, Vice President, Apprenticeship, WIA. “ASTCA has an important role to play in keeping the communities in American Samoa connected. We look forward to supporting their registered apprenticeship program to ensure American Samoa has the highly skilled workforce needed to support their work on the island.”

For more information visit TIRAP.org.

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About TIRAP, powered by WIA:
The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) is the National Sponsor of the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP), a DOL-registered apprenticeship program. 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.

About WIA

The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) represents the businesses that build, develop, own, and operate the nation’s wireless infrastructure. WIA advocates for the widespread, responsible deployment of wireless infrastructure to enable connectivity everywhere.

Media Contact: April.Ward@wia.org