Next Cohort of FREE Fiber Optic Training Program Accepting Inquiries
The next cohort will take place Spring 2025. Learn more about the program below and sign up today!
Workforce Development
Introduction
The MCA strives to proactively understand the state’s broadband labor gap and identify ways to address it. To take full advantage of the federal funding available to Maine for broadband deployment, the MCA must analyze the state’s current broadband workforce. This includes determining the state’s current and future broadband workforce needs, exploring the education and training landscape necessary to fulfill those needs, and identifying opportunities to build a stronger pipeline of qualified workers to support broadband deployment.
MCA Contact
Maggie Drummond-Bahl
Sr. Director of Digital Equity & Partnerships
mbahl@maineconnectivity.org
(207) 209-3841
Tanya Emery
Director of Development
(207) 200-4770
What is MCA doing?
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Developed the Maine Broadband Workforce Strategy to craft strategies for how MCA should address employer needs and address barriers experienced by potential workers, particularly in underserved populations.
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Incorporated workforce development into the planning process for implementation of the BEAD Program in Maine, see Maine's BEAD Initial Proposal, Volume 2 for more information.
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Partnering with the Maine Community College System to develop a targeted broadband training program.
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Coordinating with the Maine Department of Labor to establish broadband apprenticeship and pre-employment incentives.
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Engaging industry partners to identify needs and craft programs to address gaps.
Fiber Optic Training Program
In 2024, MCA leveraged $700,000 to secure an additional $700,000 in matching funds from the Maine Community College System to create the Fiber Optic Technician Program, with the first site to implement the program being at Central Maine Community College (CMCC). In partnership with Central Maine Community College, the Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine's Workforce, Fiber Broadband Association, and with funding from the Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan, the Fiber Optic Training Program offers a free 4-week course for students to learn the fundamentals of installing, testing, and maintaining fiber-to-the-home networks. After successfully completing this program, students will have the skills to become a FBA Certified Fiber Optic Technician. This course is on-site in Auburn with new cohorts starting each month on average. Wraparound support including resume assistance, employer connections, job matching services, and a $800 stipend through a learn-to-earn model.
To date, this program at CMCC has completed 5 cohorts with 40 individuals enrolled, 24 graduated, and 13 now employed. Inherent to MCA's workforce development is the goal to diversify the broadband sector by removing barriers to employment and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The next cohort of the Fiber Optic Training Program will start Spring 2025. If you are interested in signing up or learning more about the next cohort, fill out this form on CMCC's website.
Maine Broadband Workforce Strategy
On February 10, 2023, MCA was joined by a diverse group of broadband workforce stakeholders at an engagement event at the Roux Institute. In partnership with Camoin Associates and Thomas P. Miller & Associates, we presented the much anticipated Maine Broadband Workforce Strategy.
The event featured:
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Detailed strategies for expanding Maine’s broadband workforce development needs
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Strategies to fill current and future gaps in the workforce pipeline
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A lively Q&A session and networking
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Introduction of the Broadband Workforce Advisory Committee
