The telecommunications industry faces a talent shortage that poses serious threats to the nation’s ability to expand wireless broadband coverage in urban, suburban, and rural areas and to build 5G networks. 5G is expected to create 4.6 million new jobs in the next fifteen years and we need to invest in training talent for these jobs in a timely manner. Registered Apprenticeship is a proven solution for quickly and efficiently recruiting, training, and retaining world-class telecommunications talent in good quality jobs. In 2024, there were over 8,600 registered apprentices served in the telecommunications industry, a 116 percent increase over the past five years.
“The growing demand for greater connectivity and advanced networks in the U.S. requires more highly skilled telecommunications workers than ever before. It is critical that industry, in partnership with government, continues to expand on efforts to develop, implement, and promote broadband workforce training opportunities. With the DOL’s support, we provide meaningful career pathways within the telecommunications industry to help meet this demand through our Registered apprenticeship program."
Patrick Halley, WIA President and CEO
Pay-for-Performance Incentive Payments Program Funding Opportunity Announcement
Discover the new Pay-for-Performance Incentive Payments Program, a national initiative making up to $145 million available to expand high-quality Registered Apprenticeships across the following designated industries including Shipbuilding and Defense Industrial Base, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Semiconductor, and Nuclear Energy Infrastructure, Information Technology, Healthcare, Transportation and Telecommunication. Additional information about the industries above is contained in the FOA. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the FOA in its entirety. Learn more about the Pay for Performance Funding Opportunity Announcement.
High-Demand Apprenticeship Occupations
Telecommunications Industry Resources
- Telecommunications Factsheet
- Urban Apprenticeship Jobs Program
- Telecommunications Industry Apprenticeship Program
- Wireless Infrastructure Association
- "Skills Gap in Wireless Infrastructure Industry" — A Study Paper
[1] The Third Wave: How 5G Will Drive Job Growth Over the Next Fifteen Years. Apprenticeship is your proven solution for quickly and efficiently recruiting, training, and retaining world-class telecommunications talent.
[2] The numbers represent apprentices from multiple industries in telecommunications related occupations.
Disclaimer Statement: Telecom resources and speaker presentation content in slide decks and recordings do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Training Administration, Office of Apprenticeship, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the federal government.