From Connecting to Maintaining a Fully #ConnectedTN

As Tennessee Broadband Association (TNBA) members’ broadband networks expand, we’re finally approaching changing gears from connecting Tennesseans to maintaining a fully #ConnectedTN. This shift is both a culmination and a challenge—with robust networks comes a need to maintain them, and a key piece of that maintenance is a qualified and committed workforce.

Federal funding for broadband access resulted in an uptick in demand for telecommunication technicians ready to take on an intricate and ongoing job, according to Shirley Brown-Harrison, a senior instructor in electromechanical, telecommunications and electronic systems at Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Hohenwald.

“Due to the federal government allocating billions of dollars to increasing broadband access for residents of the United States, the demand for trained technicians has also increased,” Brown-Harrison says. “The latest announcement of funds for Tennessee will continue to increase the demand for trained and qualified telecommunication technicians.”

These workers need adequate education before they can support networks using the latest broadband technology. Fortunately, there’s support at the state level for existing initiatives. Taylre Beaty, Broadband Program Director for the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development, detailed the investments the state is making toward workforce development.

“TNECD is investing in workforce development programs that position Tennesseans to access high-quality jobs in the broadband build-out pipeline,” she says. “This includes our $5 million investment in five Tennessee College of Applied Technology programs across the state to build and enhance telecommunications programs.”

Ultimately, an investment today means stronger networks tomorrow. The state is committed to seeing the process through, according to Beaty.

“We are so excited to partner with these institutions to ensure that Tennesseans have opportunities to play a role in this historic investment in broadband infrastructure over the next few years,” she says.