NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association participated today in a Telecommunications Tower Technician I (TTT-I) program launch announcement event at North Central State College in Mansfield, Ohio.
L to R: Nicole Paulette (Elevated Services, LLC); Kathy Stieler (NATE); Dr. Gemma Frock (NATE Workforce Consultant); Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted; Jason Hughes (Speelman Electric, Inc.); Chad Hankins (Tamarack Aerial Services, LLC) and Christopher Pugh (Tamarack Aerial Services, LLC).
The workforce event, hosted by Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted and the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, included a celebrated announcement that TTT-I pilot programs will be established at three Ohio schools: Hocking College in Nelsonville, Ohio; North Central State College in Mansfield, Ohio and Vanguard-Sentinel Career & Technology Center in Fremont, Ohio.
At the event, Husted announced that the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation helped launch the programs and provided grant funding for each of the three schools to prepare the TTT-I programs for a spring 2022 launch. Additionally, NATE member companies from the industry have committed to providing supplemental financial resources and in-kind contributions to ensure the programs are equipped with state-of-the-art training towers, PPE equipment and other technology and materials necessary to equip students for success.
The Ohio programs will be utilizing the NATE-developed turnkey TTT-I curriculum that includes the following courses:
· Introduction to the Telecommunications Industry
· Telecom Safety & Safe Practices (Part 1)
· Wireless Industry Best Practices (Part 1)
· Telecom Installation & Maintenance
· Telecom Antennas and Lines
· Telecom Structure, Construction, Modification and Maintenance
· National Wireless Safety Alliance TTT-I Exam Preparation
Additionally, the TTT-I curriculum also includes the following embedded certifications built into the courses:
· First Aid/CPR
· OSHA 10
· RF/EME
· Fall Protection
· NCCCO Telecom Rigging
· Defensive Driving
“What an exciting day for the industry! The TTT-I program curriculum that is being implemented in these designated Ohio schools will move the needle on the industry’s workforce needs by providing training courses that prepare students for rewarding careers in a rapidly growing industry without taking on college debt,” said NATE President & CEO Todd Schlekeway. “NATE commends the State of Ohio for its leadership and we thank Lt. Governor Husted for his continued support for our industry and for leading the nation with these important investments in critical workforce development programs,” added Schlekeway.
“Starting and supporting more tower technician programs at community colleges and technical schools around the country is an important component of NATE’s strategic workforce development plan and today’s Ohio announcement represents exciting progress and momentum,” stated Dr. Gemma Frock, NATE’s Workforce Consultant. “I am eager to roll up my sleeves and collaborate with both the Buckeye State’s industry employer partners and the leadership teams at Hocking College, North Central State College and Vanguard-Sentinel Career & Technology Center to ensure these programs are successful.”
The program launch announcement video can be viewed below.