NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association today released a video highlighting the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP) as part of National Apprenticeship Day, being celebrated today.
The video features an informative conversation between host Sean Gilhooley, Deb Bennett from WIA: The Wireless Infrastructure Association, and Joel Hightower, CEO of Hightower Communications of Kinston, NC, discussing the value of apprenticeships in the communications infrastructure industry.
The video provides guidance to the industry’s employers and employee workforce regarding the TIRAP technical assistance, training pathways, training resources, support, and access to incentive funding available for registered employer sponsors.
TIRAP, powered by WIA, defines career paths in a growing number of critical occupations, including tower technicians, wireless technicians, and utility workers, along with leads and foremen. This registered apprenticeship program leads to a nationally recognized credential, as certified by the U.S. Department of Labor.
“As an employer in the industry who utilizes TIRAP, I can personally testify to the value apprenticeship training has delivered for my employees and company,” said NATE Board of Directors member Hightower. “I would strongly encourage all NATE member contractor companies to explore utilizing TIRAP for their respective on-the-job training programs,” added Hightower, whose company is one of the leading wireless infrastructure contractors in the southeast.
“TIRAP aims to meet the workforce needs of employers while creating pathways for individuals to have fulfilling careers in telecommunications and broadband,” said Deb Bennett, Vice President of Apprenticeship, WIA. “We are honored to support more than 100 employers nationwide with registered apprenticeship programs built by industry, for industry. Thank you to NATE for shining a light on the benefits of Registered Apprenticeship.”
TIRAP’s apprenticeship programs include:
- Telecommunications Tower Construction Lead
- Telecommunications Tower Construction Foreman
- Telecommunications Tower Antenna & Line Lead
- Telecommunications Tower Antenna & Line Foreman
- Maintenance & Condition Assessment Lead
- Maintenance & Condition Assessment Foreman
- Wireless Technician
- Fiber Optic Technician
- Small Cell Technician
- In-Building Wireless Installation Technician
- Underground Utility Installer Technician
- Overhead Utility Installer Technician
- Telecommunications Utilities Foreman
- Broadband Technician
- Central Office Installer
