ABOUT US

The CWA Fiber Technician Apprenticeship Program was a long term goal of the School Administrator Jeremiah J Clever. His vision was to establish a training school so industry employers would have an employee pool of well trained, safe individuals and employees would have access to a career in a high paying field.

This vision came to fruition in September of 2023 through a federal Department of Labor Education Training Administration H1B Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Program grant (DOL grant). This developmental grant provides funding to create our Apprenticeship training program in the Fiber Optics industry.

The DOL grant dollars are being used to establish the training program through a pre-apprenticeship course leading to a Registered Apprenticeship in Outside Plant Fiber Optics installation. Future plans are to expand into fiber engineering and installation apprenticeships.

Our Purpose as a Non Profit

We are a non-profit that has designed a work-centered training program that will prepare a skilled workforce needed to improve and upgrade broadband infrastructure throughout the state of Idaho.

OUR GOALS AS A NON PROFIT

  1. Rapid implementation of pre-apprenticeship training that will begin to inculcate general skills that are prerequisite for a workforce capable of transforming broadband infrastructure
  2. Implementation of apprenticeship training standards and curricula focusing on fiber splicing
  3. Development of potential apprenticeship training focused on fiber installation, and field engineering

Our Partners

Industry employers are an indispensable part of our program.  They provide up to date information regarding industry’s requirements for employees and provide employment opportunities in the apprenticeship program and after completion of the training program.

AirBridge Broadband

Serves approximately 6,000 Idaho customers providing both businesses and homes with broadband interconnectivity. AirBridge Broadband is committed to innovation and adoption of best practices to expand service as broadly as possible.

Idaho Workforce Development Council

The Idaho Workforce Development Council (WDC) plays a vital partnership role in our project. WDC was founded in 2017 with the following Vision Statement: “We envision a future where Idaho’s diverse and prepared workforce meets the needs of our unique communities and employers.” Because of the unique role WDC plays in the state of Idaho, their participation in our project provides a number of different benefits. WDC has committed to assisting in recruiting participants from among underserved populations through its existing partnerships with such organizations as Idaho Department of Corrections and the Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce. In addition, WDC has committed to direct WIOA service providers to align supportive services and training reimbursements for eligible participants.

Idaho Nonprofit Center

Represents the interests of our state’s 9,000 + registered nonprofit organizations. It is an association of forward-looking nonprofit leaders who have come together to share knowledge, solve problems, pursue common interests and serve the public good.

Idaho WIOA

A program designed to assist workers obtain training for livable wage jobs. We will assist you with contact if you have a need for support during your training opportunity.

Educational Partnerships

Fiber Optics Association

(FOA) is an international non-profit educational association chartered to promote professionalism in fiber optics through education, certification and standards. We are an approved Fiber Optics Association School, and our instructors are approved instructors.