The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) recently awarded four registered pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs $800,000 in federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act grants to help train workers with the skills needed to build broadband across the state and expand high-speed internet access.
“We know we need more workers in these critical, good-paying jobs and on behalf of L&I, I applaud these programs’ commitment to closing the digital divide by providing access to alternative pathways to competitive, family-sustaining jobs in the broadband industry,” L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker said.
At least 2.6 million Pennsylvanians do not have access to the internet or have the skills to use technology, according to the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority’s master plan.
The following programs were each awarded $200,000:
Construction Apprentice Preparatory Program will expand its Building and Construction Trades Registered Pre-Apprenticeship Program to focus on more occupations.
IBEW Local 126 and the Northeastern Apprenticeship and Training, its apprenticeship and training arm, will expand its NEAT Lineworker registered apprenticeship program to add 35 additional apprentices.
IBEW Local 1319 and the Northeastern Apprenticeship and Training, its apprenticeship and training arm, will expand its NEAT Lineworker registered apprenticeship program to add 18 to 20 additional apprentices.
NuPaths will use funding to expand its Network Technician pre-apprenticeship program to train 20 teenagers or young adults for jobs in broadband and engineering.