Building the Texas Broadband Workforce
Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s Workforce Initiative for Rural Expansion (WIRE) is strengthening the state’s broadband workforce through industry-driven training and partnerships. Working with employers, industry associations, and training partners, WIRE prepares individuals for high-demand telecommunications careers while connecting skilled talent with employers and rural communities across Texas.
Industry partners, including Texas Telephone Association members, are essential to the success of WIRE. Companies can support the initiative by helping shape training, providing industry insight, hosting work-based learning opportunities, hiring program graduates, and participating in registered apprenticeship. By getting involved, we can build the skilled workforce needed to support continued broadband growth in Texas.
Industry-Led Training for Broadband Careers
WIRE helps rural broadband providers build a stronger pipeline of skilled technicians through hands-on training, technical instruction, and nationally recognized credentials aligned with broadband deployment, maintenance, and network expansion.
Trainees develop practical skills in areas such as:
- Fiber installation, splicing, testing, and troubleshooting
- Broadband and telecommunications infrastructure
- Network installation and maintenance
- Workplace safety and industry standards
- Fiber optic testing tools and equipment
- Customer premises and service installation
- Broadband network troubleshooting and repair
The goal is straightforward: prepare skilled, work-ready technicians who can help rural service providers strengthen their workforce and meet growing broadband infrastructure needs.
Registered Apprenticeship for Broadband Employers
Texas A&M University-Kingsville offers a U.S. Department of Labor-approved Broadband Technician Registered Apprenticeship Program that provides a ready-made framework to build skilled talent and strengthen the broadband workforce.
- Create paid earn-and-learn opportunities
- Build skills aligned with workforce needs
- Develop clear career pathways for technicians
- Improve retention through employee advancement
- Strengthen rural talent pipelines
- Expand the Texas broadband workforce
Industry Collaboration at the Core
Telecom providers and workforce organizations are playing a central role in shaping the initiative to reflect real industry needs. Collaboration ensures that training remains practical, relevant, and aligned with current technologies.
Partners include regional providers, workforce development groups, and organizations such as the Texas Telephone Association, all working together to strengthen the talent pipeline.
“Expanding broadband takes more than infrastructure; it takes a skilled workforce ready to build, maintain, and support it. By investing in people, training, and industry-driven career pathways, we can ensure communities across Texas have both the connectivity and the workforce needed to thrive.”