Big investments in broadband infrastructure are occurring throughout West Virginia. West Virginia workers have an opportunity to be part of one of the largest federally funded infrastructure investments in State history.
The West Virginia Department of Economic Development, Office of Broadband, is tasked with deploying local and federal broadband funds, including $1.2 billion in federal funding for broadband development in West Virginia. This historic investment in broadband infrastructure will support West Virginia’s vision to achieve universal broadband access.
Investment, however, can do little without the hard work of individuals. Now, there are new opportunities for workers to access broadband industry-specific training to secure a great job and contribute to connecting West Virginia.
Learn more about Careers in Broadband in West Virginia
What are broadband jobs?
The broadband industry is growing! The skills needed to construct and maintain broadband infrastructure are in high demand. The industry offers a wide range of opportunities in an environment driven by innovation and technology. Broadband careers include the following areas:
- Construction and Maintenance, Outside Plant
- Customer Service Representatives (Phone, Text, Social, and In-Person)
- Cybersecurity Policy, Implementation, and Monitoring
- Engineering, including Radio Frequency, Structural, and Network Engineering
- Fiber Optic Network Design (GIS/CAD)
- Fiber Optic and Wireless Technicians
- Finance and Accounting
- Grant Compliance and Contract Administration
- Interconnection and Network Traffic Management
- Project Management
- Regulatory and Legal
- Real Estate Management
- Safety Training and Monitoring
- Sales and Marketing
- Utility and Permitting Coordination
Broadband companies in West Virginia
- Armstrong
- Breezeline
- Citynet
- Comcast
- Frontier
- GigaBeam
- Hardy Telecommunications
- Lingo
- Micrologic
- Optimum / Altice
- Prodigi
- Shentel
- Spruce Knob
Broadband Training Providers
Get the latest training in construction, electric engineering, utility maintenance, cybersecurity, and more–all in two years or less. The following entities offer associates degrees, certifications, and apprenticeship opportunities relevant to a career in broadband:
- Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
- BridgeValley Community and Technical College
- Mountwest Community and Technical College
- New River Community and Technical College
- Pierpont Community and Technical College
- South Branch Technical and Education Center
- Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP)
- Telecommunications Education Center (TEC)
- West Virginia Carpenter Training Center
- West Virginia Northern Community and Technical College
- West Virginia University at Parkersburg
Broadband Industry Growth
The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program will soon spur historic investment in both broadband infrastructure expansion and workforce development training. West Virginia’s upcoming Workforce Development Grant Program will soon be available to:
- Broadband Industry Associations
- Career and Technical Education Institutions
- County Boards of Education
- Employers
- Higher Education Institutions
- K-12 Schools and School Districts
- Public-Private Partnerships
- Workforce Development Organizations
Successful projects will provide a valuable non-degree credential, encourage partnerships between different types of organizations, and support certain wrap-around services for participants. Draft program procedures are available here: Workforce Grant Draft Procedures. For more information, visit broadband.wv.gov.