Explore 21st century 5G apprenticeships via the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP)

Connectivity emerged as the critical backbone for society and for economy throughout the pandemic. It is certain that smart infrastructure and connectivity is an investment in community’s future. The US 2021 Telecommunications Skilled Workforce Act supports training and upskilling the workforce needed to build out and maintain the wireless networks that keep us connected. The fifth generation (5G) technology is estimated to create 4.5 million jobs and have an economic impact of $1.5 trillion over the next decade. The telecommunications industry faces a skills gap that poses serious threats to the nation’s ability to expand wireless broadband coverage in urban, suburban and rural areas and to build 5G networks.  It is critical for US to win the race to 5G by focusing on developing the wireless workforce through registered apprenticeship – a scalable earn-while-you-learn career path.

Source: https://wia.org/resource-library/the_skills_gap_in_wireless_infrastructure_education/ 

Telecommunications Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP) built for telecom companies by telecom companies: To address this shortage, the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA),  serves as the sponsor of the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP), a DOL-registered apprenticeship program. Graduates receive national, industry-recognized credentials that certify occupation proficiency and expand opportunities for career advancement. There are 55 employers that have committed to registered telecom apprenticeships. (See the list here). In 2020 there were 3,654 registered apprentices in telecommunications occupations, increasing over 300% in the last nine years. 

TIRAP defines career paths in a growing number of critical occupations, including tower technicians, wireless technicians, and utilities workers, along with leads and foremen. This registered apprenticeship program leads to a national credential recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor. Following are some of the related Apprenticeship occupations: 

•    Telecommunications Tower Technician 
•    Wireless Technician 
•    IT Generalist 
•    Broadband Technician
 

Are you ready to explore 5G apprenticeship?

Learn more here or contact Brent Weil or Deb Bennett at WIA.

Check this and other 21st century apprenticeship opportunities at https://apprenticepath.com/

Sources and useful links: 
https://www.apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-industries/telecommunications
https://wia.org/resource-library/the_skills_gap_in_wireless_infrastructure_education/
https://www.nationalspectrumconsortium.org/wp-content/%20uploads/2020/09/PPI_The-Third-Wave-5G_Portrait_Final.pdf
https://www.tirap.org/
https://wia.org/