FloridaCommerce Launches Workforce Initiative to Support Florida’s Broadband Industry

FloridaCommerce is launching a major initiative to deliver the required workforce to upgrade the state’s communications networks. FloridaCommerce, CareerSource Florida, the REACH Office, the Florida Department of Education, state and technical colleges, Local Workforce Development Boards, and other partners are collaborating to attract, train, and deliver the workforce needed to bring broadband internet to all Floridians. To further support workforce development for the broadband industry, the Florida Department of Education recently approved curriculum for a Telecommunications and Fiber Optics Technician program at Miami Dade College to continue the training of broadband workers throughout the state. The program offers a sequence of courses intended to prepare students for high-skill, high-wage jobs in the broadband industry. Across Florida there are approximately 130,000 eligible locations to be connected to broadband by 2030, and more than 20,000 workers are needed for direct and indirect broadband-related jobs, including fiber/coax networks, customer service, cell tower, network technology, and construction.