WIA Joins U.S. Department of Labor to Launch Telecommunication Apprenticeship Incentive Fund, Now Accepting Applications 

$29.9 million federal initiative rewards registered apprenticeship sponsors and employers for expanding and completing telecommunications workforce training programs 

ARLINGTON, VA – The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), today announced the launch of the Telecommunication Apprenticeship Incentive Fund and is now accepting applications from eligible organizations that sponsor and operate Registered Apprenticeship programs. 

Funded through a $29.9 million DOL Employment and Training Administration grant¹, the initiative is designed to strengthen the workforce needed to build and maintain America’s telecommunications industry which includes broadband and digital infrastructure networks. The program provides outcome-based incentive payments to registered group apprenticeship sponsors, including individual employer sponsors, that increase enrollment and support apprentice retention and completion. WIA manages one of five pay-for-performance incentive payment programs established by DOL to increase apprenticeships across skilled trades. 

“People are what turn infrastructure investment into the high-speed networks that keep Americans connected, and apprenticeships are one of the best ways to build and retain that skilled workforce,” said Tim House, Executive Vice President and COO, WIA. “America needs more telecommunications technicians, especially fiber optic technicians, to build its broadband and SI infrastructure. Today’s launch gives sponsors a clear, results-based way to grow their apprenticeship programs. We are proud to partner with the Department of Labor to expand career opportunities and strengthen the telecommunications workforce.”  

Eligible organizations that sponsor and operate Registered Apprenticeship programs may earn up to $6,000 per qualifying apprentice through milestone-based payments tied to retention, related technical instruction, and program completion. Incentive payments may be earned for eligible newly registered apprentices whose enrollment exceeds a sponsor’s growth baseline, defined as 125 percent of the sponsor’s median active apprentice count for the applicable three-year baseline period. The period of performance is July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030. All incentive payments are subject to applicable program requirements, eligibility verification, and the availability of funds. 

The program is open to registered apprenticeship sponsors, including individual employers, in good standing that train apprentices in qualifying telecommunications occupations. Participating sponsors will complete a streamlined onboarding process and earn incentives as apprentices reach verified milestones. 

WIA brings significant experience supporting registered apprenticeship expansion in the telecommunications and broadband sectors. Through its apprenticeship and workforce development efforts, WIA has worked with employers nationwide to advance apprenticeship opportunities, resulting in the training of more than 7,600 apprentices across 16 broadband and wireless occupations and the distribution of more than $2.3 million in incentive funding. 

“We have seen how registered apprenticeships help employers build a skilled workforce while creating career opportunities for workers,” said Deb Bennett, Vice President of Apprenticeship, WIA. “Now that applications are open, we are ready to help sponsors determine eligibility, complete onboarding, and begin earning incentives as their apprentices succeed.” 

How to Apply 

Registered apprenticeship sponsors can apply now: Telecommunication Apprenticeship Incentive Fund

Additional program information, eligibility requirements, and qualifying occupations are available at https://www.apprenticeship.gov/investments-tax-credits-and-tuition-support/active-awards  

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. Learn more at WIA.org. 

Media contact: April.Ward@wia.org