CTC Partners With CWA To Implement Communications Workers of America Broadband JATC-Upper Midwest Apprenticeship Program

BRAINERD, MN - CTC recently partnered with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) to create the first broadband-centered apprenticeship for the states of Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, and North Dakota.

Communications Workers of America Broadband JATC-Upper Midwest has been officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) as a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) sponsor and approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Division of Apprenticeship. CWA and CTC look forward to welcoming other ISPs in the region into the program.

This apprenticeship will provide on-the-job, instructor-led, and online training to employees that are new to the telecommunications industry and want to pursue a career as a Broadband Technician. The program will provide recipients with instruction on industry standards, equipment installation, troubleshooting, and safety training.

CTC Member Service Technicians Carter Atwater and Burke Netland are the first two apprentices to go through the program.

“I am excited to further my knowledge on the things I already work on every day!” said Atwater. 

“I am thrilled to begin this program, as I feel it will broaden my knowledge and enhance my ability to be a reliable technician,” said Netland. 

“CTC is proud to be partnering with the CWA to build the first Broadband Technician Apprenticeship Program in the region. Having access to this program and curriculum will allow us to hire workers with limited experience to become fully trained first-level technicians. This program opens opportunities for high school students wanting to go directly into the workforce post-graduation or for displaced workers to learn a new trade while being properly trained,” shared CTC CEO/GM Kristi Westbrock. 

“As states continue to receive historic federal funding towards a nationwide broadband buildout, it’s critical that we have well-trained broadband technicians leading this work. CWA’s joint apprenticeship program will help lay that groundwork by developing highly-skilled broadband workers in Minnesota and the upper midwest,” said CWA District 7 Vice President Susie McAllister. “At CWA, we know what it means to build broadband right, and we’re excited to be helping new workers enter the field, while creating good jobs and boosting local economies.”

CTC is a technology advisor and full-service telecommunications company based in Brainerd, MN. Formed in 1952, CTC has grown into a complete communications provider offering telephone, high-speed internet, digital television, and IT services to businesses and individuals throughout central and northern Minnesota. More information about CTC can be found at www.goctc.com.

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