Youngstown State Launches Pre-Apprenticeship Program with WIA’s National Registered Apprenticeship Program

YOUNGSTOWN, OH – Youngstown State University’s (YSU) STEM Workforce Education and Innovation today announced a new pre-apprenticeship program for broadband industry careers. The program launched in partnership with the national leader in telecom apprenticeships, the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP), powered by the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA).

“Pre-apprenticeship programs are a proven way to create accessible career paths within high-demand fields such as the broadband industry,” said Lindsey Ekstrand, Director, Workforce Education Programs, YSU. “Our partnership with TIRAP builds upon the solid foundation of telecom and broadband trainings we’ve developed within the STEM Workforce Education and Innovation program, making YSU a growing center for next-gen broadband career development.”

Through previous joint initiatives, YSU and WIA created opportunities that connect individuals with high-growth careers in telecommunications, broadband, and 5G technology. This new program expands this partnership by adding a formalized pre-apprenticeship training program between the organizations, ensuring direct employment pathways and ongoing workforce development opportunities for graduates.

“We are proud to expand our partnership with YSU, who is leading the way in Ohio, and nationally, in developing industry-driven workforce training programs,” said Patrick Halley, President and CEO, WIA. “By creating a new program aligned to WIA’s Registered Apprenticeship program, YSU’s pre-apprenticeship graduates will have a head start towards a well-paying job and a rewarding career in the wireless and broadband industries.”

Enrollment for the program is now open. For more information, contact Chris Riedel, Program Manager of Networking and Telecommunications, at ctriedel@ysu.edu or 330-941-2036.

What is a TIRAP pre-apprenticeship training program?

A pre-apprenticeship is a program or set of services designed to prepare individuals to enter and succeed in a Registered Apprenticeship program. As a U.S. Department of Labor approved National Sponsor of Registered Apprenticeship, TIRAP assists employers in establishing apprenticeship programs for 16 telecommunications and broadband occupations. TIRAP aligned pre-apprenticeship program graduates come to employers with a substantial amount of training completed, providing a head start for the employee and cost savings to the employer.

YSU will now offer its students courses aligned to two TIRAP occupations: Fiber Optic Technician and Broadband Technician. WIA will provide connections to more than 100 TIRAP-sponsored employer programs nationwide to ensure the success of the apprenticeship career path. YSU will also offer outreach, recruiting, training and career placement of its pre-apprenticeship graduates with TIRAP sponsored employer-partners.

YSU is the 20^th pre-apprenticeship partner to join TIRAP.

What career opportunities do the wireless and broadband industries offer?

To learn more about career opportunities in the wireless and broadband industries, visit WIA’s interactive Career Pathways Tool.

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About YSU

Founded in 1908, Youngstown State University (YSU) is a comprehensive public institution committed to academic excellence, research, and workforce development. With a strong foundation in STEM education, applied learning, and industry collaboration, YSU prepares students for high-demand careers that drive economic growth in Ohio and beyond.

As part of its strategic vision, YSU has established STEM Workforce Education and Innovation (YSU Workforce) to address the evolving workforce needs of the advanced manufacturing and advanced technology industries including telecommunications, broadband, and 5G. YSU Workforce provides hands-on training, industry-recognized credentials, and direct pathways to employment. These efforts align with the university’s long-standing mission to connect education with economic impact and position YSU as a regional hub for workforce innovation.

With a rich history of serving students and industry for over a century, YSU continues to expand its role as a leader in technology-driven workforce development, ensuring that individuals and businesses are equipped to thrive in the digital economy.

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 16 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.

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