Biden Administration Honors CWA Steward for Rural Innovation

CWA Local 7603 Steward Jeremiah Clever received national recognition for his innovative work in Idaho establishing a Fiber Technician Apprenticeship Program (FiTech) during a White House ceremony last month honoring fourteen rural innovators from across the country.

In 2023, CWA Local 7603 secured funding for the program through a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor in recognition of the growing need for trained broadband technicians as companies begin receiving federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds to build out fiber internet access. Clever reached out to community groups for help identifying workers who might be interested in the program. Through the Afghan Cultural Center of Idaho, he learned that many members of the Afghan refugee community in Idaho hold advanced degrees that they are eager to put to use. Now those workers are among the first 25 apprentices to participate in the training.

 
CWA Local 7603 Steward Jeremiah Clever (seventh from right) at the White House with Biden Administration officials and other Rural Innovators.