Partnership to Provide Free Broadband Job Training in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Gov. Mike DeWine on Thursday announced that a new partnership has been created to provide free broadband-related job training at Goodwill Columbus’ job training center.

The Broadband Infrastructure Training Program is a partnership between the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, Goodwill Columbus, The Ohio State University, Columbus State Community College and the Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio.

“To expand high-speed internet across the state, we need to build the broadband industry workforce,” DeWine said. “In fact, we’ll need about 32,000 skilled workers to prepare the infrastructure alone.”

The program will cover fundamentals of broadband, electrical and fiber connections, offer hands-on training and develop digital literacy and academic skills. Graduates may go on to earn industry credentials as a Certified Premises Cabling Technician or a Certified Fiber Optic Technician, leading to potential employment at telecom companies or their suppliers and contractors.

“Providing this training now will ensure that broadband companies can access and spend the coming infrastructure investments to ultimately position Ohio as a prime destination for new, innovative companies seeking access to the next generation of wired and wireless communications,” DeWine said.

The most recent capital budget provided $800,000 in funding for the training center, which will also offer courses in IT, health care, hospitality and commercial driving. More information can be found HERE.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.