CWA/NETT Provides Training For Laid Off Members

CWA's Sheri Wiles, Robyn Thrasher and Edward Dogan learn about fiber optic installation.

Below: Margaret Walsh, who worked for Cincinnati Bell for 13 years, gets hands-on fiber optic installation training.

Fiber optics installation training is helping dislocated telecommunications workers find their way back into well-paying jobs.

Last week, 11 former Cincinnati Bell technicians began the 32-hour course — combining classroom work and hands-on training — to earn an Electronic Technicians Associations Fiber Optic Installer credential. The class was provided by CWA/NETT Academy with funding support from the Southwest Ohio Region Workforce Investment Board (SWORWIB).

"Everyone is going to fiber optics," said Sherry Wiles, who worked for 18 years at Cincinnati Bell and specialized in inside repair. "We just worked with copper. This gives us the chance to learn new skills that will lead to a job that pays well."

In May, Cincinnati Bell had announced it would lay off up to 150 employees, as it outsourced its call center operatives to StarTek Inc., which then shipped those jobs to the Philippines. To help its dislocated members, CWA Local 4400 offered up its headquarters for the training and aims to place them into companies where it has representation.

This year, about 60 CWAers have gone through the same fiber optics installation course, said Kevin Celata, CWA/NETT training administrator.

"We welcomed working with the SWORWIB," said Celata. "Anytime we can partner with the workforce system to help our members who are being displaced, we make sure that happens."

Learn more at http://www.cwanett.org or visit CWA/NETT on Facebook.