WIA Launches 5G Readiness Program for Ohio’s Broadband Workforce

Lt. Governor Jon Husted Announces Grant for Youngstown State and Ashland University 

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio –WIA joined Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted today to announce its partnership with Youngstown State University and Ashland University to launch a groundbreaking telecommunications training program. WIA’s Telecommunications Education Center (TEC) was awarded a contract with these universities, funded by the State of Ohio, to provide training that will equip students with the competencies required to design and deploy broadband infrastructure, including mobile broadband, 5G and fiber.

Through this TEC-provided training, students will earn a 5G Readiness certificate that bundles 10 industry-recognized certificates. The training has been designed with the help of 5G subject matter experts from industry and academia. It consists of 80 hours of industry-validated training material, which includes hands-on exercises and a 5G site visit.

“We are excited to partner with Youngstown State University and Ashland University to offer this program,” said WIA CTO Dr. Rikin Thakker. “Along with preparing the high-skilled workforce needed to deploy 5G networks, Ohio is investing to efficiently build the broadband infrastructure needed to bridge the digital divide. For students, the 5G Readiness program will encourage them to join our industry and provide pathways toward long and successful careers in wireless.” (See Dr. Thakker’s remarks at the announcement here)

“Through BroadbandOhio, our administration is aggressively working to expand high-speed internet access around Ohio, but we can’t build the infrastructure without programs to train and produce a workforce,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “This sector partnership will spur the creation of even more training programs in the state, allowing more Ohioans to earn the skills and credentials needed to get a job in this fast-growing industry.”

The 5G Readiness training aligns with classroom training for occupations under the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP). WIA is the national sponsor of TIRAP, which has 61 employer sponsors nationwide.

TEC is a dynamic learning program devoted to improving education, quality of work and safety within the telecommunications industry. To learn more, visit https://tec-online.org/   

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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 mobile broadband for communities everywhere.

Contact: Marshall Miller | 717-951-0795 | marshall.miller@wia.org