In November 2021, Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, who serves as Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation (OWT), announced the launch of Telecommunications Tower Technician Programs at three Ohio institutions: Hocking College, North Central State College and Vanguard-Sentinel Career & Technology Center.
According to the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, “The “Strengthening Ohio’s Broadband & 5G Workforce” Strategy, released in September, identifies the need for a skilled and prepared workforce to fill broadband and 5G jobs. The strategy outlines a plan for increasing broadband industry career awareness and creating more training and education programs in the state.”
The Telecommunications Tower Technician Program at Hocking College will provide students with the necessary knowledge, skills and hands-on experience to start their professional careers in the telecommunications industry as a Telecommunications Tower Technician I.
The program will launch in the Spring Semester of 2022. It consists of 240 hours of coursework, which cover: tower safety, basic rigging and fall protection, principles of electricity, fiber optics, wireless technology, cell components, antenna basics, spectrum management and more.
Todd Schlekeway, President & CEO of NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, said: "The TTTI 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. 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.”
Hocking College is pleased to be involved in the state’s new program, and provide greater opportunities for workforce development in this region of Ohio. Dr. Betty Young, Hocking College President said: "Hocking College is proud to be a pilot site for the Tower Technician I program in Southeast Ohio, partnering with the state to expand telecommunication training in Ohio and preparing Ohioans for good jobs in Appalachian Ohio.”
Some of the other Short-Term Certificate Programs that Hocking College offers in the School of Workforce Development include:
If you or anyone you know is interested in the Telecommunications Tower Technician I program at Hocking College, please contact Sean Terrell, Dean of Workforce Development at terrells@hocking.edu or by phone at 740-753-7149.
