The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released a Workforce Planning Guide this week to support states and territories as they plan to deploy projects for high-speed Internet. The Biden administration’s Internet for All initiative is expected to create more than 150,000 high-paying jobs.
“NTIA supports the development of an equity-driven telecommunications workforce that offers good jobs and opportunities to workers in America, especially for populations who have been historically underserved by public policy initiatives,” the guide states. “By following the requirements and steps outlined in the Workforce Planning Guide, Eligible Entities will help achieve a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive telecommunications industry.”
The guide is broken down into four main sections: components of a workforce plan; developing a Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) workforce plan; strategies and examples; and additional resources.
The Dallas City Council is mentioned in the guide for contracting best practices for granting the Regional Black Contractors Association (RBCA) funds to support its second-chance hiring program in 2020. Multiple examples across the U.S. are given in the 54-page guide.
It is part of NTIA’s commitment to offer technical assistance materials that entities may need to meet the workforce requirements of the BEAD program. However, in addition to this guide, NTIA will provide additional technical assistance related to workforce requirements, including webinars and one-on-one meetings with grantees, according to a news release.
*This article was excerpted in part from Government Technology, a sister publication of Industry Insider — Texas.
Workforce Guide Available for BEAD Funding Aspirants
Telecoms seeking federal funding are encouraged to promote diversity and equity.
Shutterstock/Angelina Bambina
