The telecommunications industry actively supports the nation’s efforts to expand telecommunications coverage, including broadband and 5G. Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have made telecommunications even more important since many telecommunications occupations play a crucial role in building, maintaining, and securing the foundational network infrastructure that AI systems need to function effectively.
Registered Apprenticeship is a proven solution for quickly and effectively recruiting, training, and retaining world-class telecommunications talent in quality, high-demand jobs. In 2025, there were over 12,198 registered apprentices served in the telecommunications industry, a 46 percent increase over the past 5 years.1
“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.
Success Stories
The Path to a Career in Inside Telecom AJEATT Apprenticeship
Trevor Hintermeister combines hands-on learning with community impact as a telecommunications apprentice in his second year with Alaska's Joint Electrical Apprenticeship & Training (IBEW/NECA). Working on telecommunications and data installations across Anchorage, he values the position for its educational growth, family benefits, and the chance to build essential infrastructure in his own community.
Telecommunications Apprenticeship Program
Second-year apprentice Anthony Carrillo found his path to the Northern New Mexico Independent Electrical Program through a friend's recommendation after working various other jobs. He appreciates the real-world, hands-on learning the program provides. To anyone considering apprenticeship, he says go for it—you'll gain marketable skills and earn a paycheck while setting yourself up for long-term success.
High-Demand Apprenticeship Occupations
- Broadband Technician
- Central Office Installer
- Fiber Optic Technician
- In-Building Wireless Installation Technician
- Overhead Utility Installer Technician
- Telecommunications Utility Foreman
- Telecommunications Tower Technician
- Underground Utility Installer Technician
- Wireless Technician
To explore more apprenticeship occupations in the Advanced Manufacturing industry, view our Occupation Finder.
Telecommunications Industry Resources
- Telecommunications Factsheet
- Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP)
- Wireless Infrastructure Association
- AI-Wireless Infrastructure 101
[1] 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.