Wireless Infrastructure Association secures $5M grant for broadband workforce training

The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) received provisional selection for a $5 million grant from the Texas Broadband Development Office. This funding will facilitate a four-year initiative aimed at preparing Texas residents for careers in broadband, particularly addressing the state's need for skilled fiber optic technicians.

This statewide program targets a critical barrier to broadband expansion in Texas, responding to deployment demands from Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD). The program will utilize four University of Houston System campuses and various regional training sites to reach underserved urban and rural communities.

“Texas will need thousands of new broadband workers over the next several years to meet BEAD infrastructure goals,” said Patrick Halley, President and CEO of WIA. The initiative aims to provide certified technicians, contributing to workforce development and improving broadband access across communities.

WIA is recognized as an intermediary in the industry, collaborating with employers and educational institutions to develop effective training programs. The University of Houston will play a strategic role in establishing this program.

Tim House, Executive Vice President and COO of WIA, emphasized the project’s long-term benefits: “We’re building sustainable career pathways that fully integrate into Texas higher education, ensuring graduates receive both industry credentials and academic credit toward degree programs.”

Dmitri Litvinov, Ph.D., Senior Associate Dean of Research at the University of Houston, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the program's role in preparing Texans for high-demand broadband jobs.

This tuition-free program will adopt the OpTIC Path curriculum, a comprehensive certification initiative created by the Fiber Broadband Association. The project objectives include implementing hands-on fiber optic technician training, integrating training into regular UH course offerings, and facilitating job placement through WIA's national connections.