Ohioans interested in telecommunications have opportunity to earn certain credentials for free
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation (OWT), today announced that four training providers located throughout the state will receive a total of $592,215 in awards to support 410 broadband or 5G-related credentials through the Individual Microcredential Assistance Program (IMAP). This is the third round of the initiative, which helps Ohioans who are low income, partially unemployed, or totally unemployed participate in a training program and receive one or more credential(s) for free.
The selected training providers, which include two four-year universities, a career center, and a joint vocational school district, will be reimbursed up to $3,000 for each completed technology-focused credential issued.
“As we continue forward on efforts to expand and enhance Ohio’s broadband and 5G infrastructure, it’s vital that we have the workforce to build it,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “Ohioans have the opportunity to be part of this endeavor by working through these newly awarded IMAP training providers to earn a broadband- or 5G-related credential for free and in a matter of months or even weeks.”
The most recent round of IMAP provided funding specifically for credentialing programs related to broadband and 5G as part of a larger effort by OWT and BroadbandOhio to grow the workforce needed to expand broadband access and 5G in Ohio. The “Strengthening Ohio’s Broadband & 5G Workforce” Strategy, released in September 2021, lays out a plan for filling the estimated 1,250 jobs needed to expand broadband access and the 32,000 jobs needed to deploy 5G across Ohio.
A variety of credential pathways that align with telecommunications job opportunities will be available for individuals through IMAP including 5G and Broadband Deployment, Wireless Broadband Infrastructures, Certified Fiber Optic Installer, and more. Training will be offered in-person and online, allowing Ohioans to take advantage of the program from anywhere in the state.
Awarded training providers include:
- Ashland University
- Tri-County Career Center
- Washington County Joint Vocational School District
- Youngstown State University
“These credentials will make Ohio stronger in two ways,” Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik said. “First, the people earning them will launch new careers in fields that are in demand, and second, those workers will bring much-needed broadband and 5G services to people throughout Ohio.”
Today’s announcement continues efforts facilitated through the DeWine-Husted Administration to expand and enhance high-speed internet access for businesses and families throughout Ohio.
Individuals interested in earning a credential or learning more about the program can visit the IMAP website at: Workforce.Ohio.gov/IMAP.