Broadband and Workforce
Broadband Toolkit Modules
- Introduction
- Module 1: Broadband 101
- Module 2: Regional & Tribal Planning
- Module 3: Data Driven Decisions
- Module 4: Find Funding
- Module 5: Bridging the Digital Divide
- Module 6: Broadband and Workforce
- Module 7: Broadband and Tourism
- Module 8: Broadband Definitions
- Module 9: Who’s Who of Rural Wisconsin Broadband
Building a Skilled Workforce for Wisconsin’s Broadband Expansion
Broadband Workforce is a critical element to ensure the success of broadband expansion across the state. The telecommunications industry faces the same workforce challenges other industries face in workforce availability and the need for industry specific training. According to an FCC study, broadband deployment in rural areas can create up to 10 jobs per 100 households and increase wages by up to 6%. Regional broadband planning can include workforce development initiatives that support the expansion of broadband throughout Wisconsin. To develop effective regional workforce strategies, it is important to build strong relationships with technical colleges, the Department of Workforce Development (DWD), and local non-profits that support training and upskilling efforts.
Regional partners can work with providers to help address workforce gaps. Partners can introduce the training/apprenticeships to students or career changers and connect them to opportunities within the Wisconsin broadband workforce ecosystem. AARP and local school systems are also important partners.
Spotlight
Public-Private Partnerships: Advancing Infrastructure and Connectivity
- Pineland Telephone: Boosting Metter, GA’s Economy with Broadband
In Metter, Georgia, the Pineland Telephone Cooperative enhances the local economy by providing advanced broadband connectivity. A partner with the USDA since the 1950s, Pineland has invested over $28 million in the past decade to develop a robust network, including more than 1,800 miles of fiber. This infrastructure supports various services, including gigabit internet and enhanced video packages.
A standout achievement is the transformation of a vacant 42,000-square-foot facility into the North American headquarters for Concrete Pump Engineering America in 2014, a decision influenced by Pineland’s reliable broadband. This development has boosted the area’s business appeal, especially as CPE America collaborates with Korea’s Everdigm. Pineland’s commitment to ensuring complete broadband coverage in Candler County proved crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the vital role of public-private partnerships in rural economic development. Learn more - Bridging the Digital Divide in the Aleutian Islands
The U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation (USBCDC) partnered with GCI Alaska to deliver high-speed internet to remote First Nation communities in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. This decade-long effort, supported by over $60 million in New Market Tax Credit equity from USBCDC, aims to improve connectivity for educational, telehealth, and economic opportunities. The project spans approximately 450 miles, often accessible only by helicopter, and addresses the unique challenges of Alaska’s harsh climate and rugged terrain. Enhanced connectivity helps to alleviate mental health issues, preserve cultural identity, and create job opportunities in these isolated communities. Read more
Broadband Workforce Expansion Options
- Form Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with private companies, local governments, and educational institutions to pool resources and expertise. This approach can help secure funding and ensure the sustainability of broadband projects.
- Leverage Federal and State Funding: Utilize available grants and funding programs, such as the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, to support broadband infrastructure and workforce development.
- Develop Local Training Programs: Partner with technical colleges and vocational schools to create training programs that equip residents with the skills needed for broadband installation and maintenance. This not only addresses workforce shortages but also provides local employment opportunities. Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) employs multiple education and training modalities based on regional workforce conditions and coordinates the scaling of successful programs with statewide industry and workforce partners. It can quickly replicate its programs throughout the state based on employer demands. For example:
- Northwood Technical College offers two fully online broadband education options to meet the workforce needs of a large rural area: a one-year apprenticeship and two short term certificates.
- Northeast Wisconsin Technical College offers stackable postsecondary tele- communications installation and repair credentials that allow its more urban communities to simultaneously work and build their skills and earning power.
- Engage the Community: Conduct outreach to understand the specific needs and challenges of the community. Involving local stakeholders in the planning process ensures that the solutions are tailored to the community’s unique context.
- Monitor and Evaluate: Implement mechanisms to track the progress and impact of the programs. Collecting data and feedback helps in refining the initiatives and demonstrating their value to potential funders and partners.
key resource: Governor’s Task Force on Broadband Access
The Governor’s Task Force on Broadband Access, established by Governor Tony Evers in 2020, advises the Wisconsin State Legislature on broadband actions and policy. The task force focuses on strategies to expand high-speed internet access, promote digital inclusion, and ensure affordable broadband for all communities in Wisconsin. It brings together a diverse group of stakeholders to research and develop recommendations aimed at bridging the digital divide across the state.
The Governor’s Task Force on Broadband Access in Wisconsin has made several key recommendations to enhance broadband access and digital inclusion:
- Increase Funding: Advocate for increased funding for the Broadband Expansion Grant Program to support infrastructure projects in underserved areas.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Develop shared risk mechanisms for public-private partnerships, utilizing publicly owned infrastructure to reach underserved locations.
- Construction and Permitting Coordination: Improve coordination of construction and permitting processes to expedite broadband deployment.
- Digital Equity and Inclusion: Promote digital equity by supporting initiatives that address affordability, digital literacy, and access to devices.
- Data and Mapping: Enhance data collection and mapping efforts to better identify service gaps and target investments effectively.
Job Opportunities Created by Rural Broadband Expansion
Rural broadband expansion directly creates a variety of job opportunities across different sectors.
Key roles include:
- Broadband Technicians: These professionals install, maintain, and repair broadband infrastructure, including fiber optic cables and wireless networks.
- Network Engineers: They design and implement broadband networks, ensuring efficient and reliable internet connectivity.
- Project Managers: Responsible for overseeing broadband expansion projects, coordinating between different stakeholders, and ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
- Customer Support Specialists: Provide technical support and assistance to customers, helping them troubleshoot and resolve connectivity issues.
- Sales and Marketing Professionals: Promote broadband services to rural communities, helping to increase adoption rates and customer base.
- Digital Literacy Trainers: Educate residents on how to use digital tools and the internet effectively, enhancing their digital skills and improving overall community engagement.
- Construction Workers: Involved in the physical installation of broadband infrastructure, including laying cables and setting up equipment.
- Policy Analysts and Advocates: Work on developing and promoting policies that support broadband expansion and digital equity in rural areas.
Telehealth Enhances Health Outcomes and Economic Opportunities
Telehealth is crucial in rural areas as it greatly improves access to healthcare services for residents who might otherwise face long travel distances to reach medical facilities. By leveraging technology, telehealth enables timely consultations, diagnoses, and treatments, thereby enhancing patient outcomes and reducing healthcare disparities.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Marshfield Medical Center quickly expanded its telehealth services to meet the growing demand for remote medical care. This expansion allowed rural residents to access healthcare without the need for long-distance travel, significantly improving health outcomes. Additionally, the increased use of telehealth has created new job opportunities in telemedicine and related fields, positively impacting the local economy. The success of Marshfield Medical Center’s telehealth initiative highlights the transformative role of broadband in enhancing healthcare access and fostering economic development in rural Wisconsin.
Telehealth has created a variety of technical job opportunities. Here are some key roles:
- Telehealth Technician: Responsible for setting up and maintaining telehealth equipment, assisting with virtual consultations, and troubleshooting technical issues
- Customer Support Specialist: Provides technical support to patients and healthcare providers, helping them navigate telehealth platforms and resolve connectivity issues
- Telehealth Coordinator: Manages telehealth appointments, coordinates between patients and providers, and ensures smooth operation of telehealth services
- Data Entry Clerk: Handles patient information and medical records, ensuring accurate and timely data entry for telehealth services
- Health Technician: Assists with clinical tasks during telehealth sessions, such as taking patient histories and preparing them for virtual consultations
- Telehealth Coordinators: They manage telehealth programs, coordinate appointments, and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations
- Network Engineers: Responsible for designing and maintaining the network infrastructure that supports telehealth services
- Software Developers: Develop and maintain telehealth platforms and applications, focusing on user experience and security
- Data Analysts: Analyze data from telehealth services to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency
- Cybersecurity Specialists: Ensure the security and privacy of telehealth systems and patient data
Workforce Training & Apprenticeship Planning Checklist
- Identify leadership and champions for Broadband Workforce Development to create a workforce strategic plan
- Convene employers, stakeholders and providers to advance mutual priorities
- Create an asset map of broadband training tools and resources
- Collect, analyze and interpret workforce data on broadband
- Identify funding sources to support workforce development for broadband
- Working as a coalition, build and scale training programs and practices to train new and existing broadband workers
Further reading: Reversing the rural brain drain with remote working
This Curbed article explores how the rise of remote work is revitalizing rural communities by fostering the creation of coworking spaces. Many startups and entrepreneurs are relocating to rural areas to escape urban congestion and high living costs. By enabling flexible work arrangements, remote work has the potential to stimulate economic growth and rejuvenate rural regions, ultimately reversing the trend of brain drain and enhancing local economies.
Workforce Development Resources
rural Workforce Development Resources
Create an Asset Map of Regional Stakeholders and Partners
The NTIA’s Asset Mapping Guide provides practical guidelines for conducting asset mapping to support digital equity and broadband expansion efforts. The guide outlines steps for gathering and organizing data, engaging stakeholders, and building partnerships. Additionally, the guide includes examples and best practices to help practitioners implement successful asset mapping projects.
By mapping these assets, communities can effectively address workforce challenges, optimize resource allocation, and support the successful expansion of broadband infrastructure. This process ultimately drives economic growth and enhances the quality of life in rural areas. Identify stakeholders in your region and the skills and resources they provide to advance workforce development goals. Common community partners include:
- Department of Workforce Development
- Workforce Development Boards (See Workforce Development Board Locations and Contacts)
- AARP
- Post-secondary Institutions
- Technical Colleges (e.g., Northwood Technical College)
- Local School Districts
- Public Libraries
- Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
- Job Placement Firms
- High School Guidance Counselors
- Local Businesses
- Local Broadband Champions
Key Resource: NTIA’s Asset Mapping Guide
NTIA’s Asset Mapping Guide provides practical guidelines for conducting asset mapping to support digital equity and broadband expansion efforts. The guide outlines steps for gathering and organizing data, engaging stakeholders, and building partnerships. Additionally, the guide includes examples and best practices to help practitioners implement successful asset mapping projects.
Create A Workforce Resource Hub
A Workforce Resource Hub is a centralized platform that helps individuals and organizations access training, resources, and opportunities for workforce development. It serves job seekers, employers, educational institutions, and community organizations by providing information on training programs, job listings, internships, and apprenticeships. Hubs also offer career counseling, networking opportunities, and details on funding and grants for education and training. Additionally, it provides technical support for job search tools, promotes community engagement through events, and shares success stories to inspire users. Ultimately, the hub aims to enhance employability, support workforce initiatives, and address skills gaps, contributing to economic growth and community development. An example of this is the Low-cost Internet, Computers & Computer Training for Milwaukee Residents.
Establishing a centralized resource for workforce training opportunities promotes skills development and encourages higher adoption rates in your community. Use your asset map of regional stakeholders and partners for broadband workforce development to populate your Workforce Resource Hub.
Workforce Resource Hub Checklist
Key Features of a Workforce Resource Hub:
- Training and Educational Resources: Information on available training programs, workshops, and certifications to enhance skills relevant to specific industries or job markets.
- Job Listings: Access to current job openings, internships, and apprenticeship opportunities in various fields.
- Career Counseling: Guidance and support for job seekers, including resume writing, interview preparation, and career path exploration.
- Networking Opportunities: Platforms for connecting with industry professionals, mentors, and peers to build professional relationships.
- Funding and Grants: Information on scholarships, financial aid, and grants available for training and education.
- Technical Support: Resources to help users navigate job search tools, online learning platforms, and technology-related issues.
- Community Engagement: Events, forums, and discussions to foster collaboration among community members and organizations focused on workforce development.
- Success Stories and Case Studies: Examples of individuals or programs that have successfully utilized the hub’s resources to advance their careers or improve their skills.
Workforce Training for New Digital Users
Workforce strategies that help new users develop computer and internet skills are essential for expanding access to technology. By offering targeted training and resources, these strategies make digital tools more accessible to a wider audience, thereby enhancing overall adoption and proficiency.
Workforce training programs that focus on expanding the skill sets of new users are crucial for promoting and enhancing services. These services include training programs, free or discounted broadband access, computer tech hubs with broadband availability, and locations where students, residents, or businesses can access computers.
Example: Rural LISC Digital Navigators Program
Supported by Microsoft, Rural LISC Digital Navigators Program aims to bridge the digital divide and expand economic opportunities in rural communities across the Midwest, including Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, and Ohio. This initiative has successfully enabled many rural residents to develop the digital skills necessary for better job opportunities, highlighting the effectiveness of targeted workforce development programs in rural areas. Trained professionals, known as Digital Navigators, offer personalized assistance to individuals and families facing digital isolation. They help clients secure digital devices, find affordable internet options, and receive training that improves employment outcomes. Read more.
