Breezeline has provided an update on steps it is taking to support development of a technology workforce, including two initiatives that have important milestones this week.
It’s an important topic as the nation expects to see a shortage of telecom technicians as broadband deployments accelerate, driven by a great influx of broadband funding at the federal, state and local levels.
Breezeline, which formerly was known as Atlantic Broadband, is active in four initiatives: an apprenticeship program, an internship program, a college technology competition and STEM education.
Apprenticeship: Run in partnership with Broward College in south Florida, the program provides hands-on and personalized training. Attendees will be awarded two certifications. The program began this week.
Internship: Breezeline has launched a program geared toward undergraduate and graduate level students in six Breezeline departments: human resources; legal; data and analytics; engineering; products and marketing. The program runs from June through mid-August.
College Technology: Breezeline says that it is the lead sponsor of Interactive TV Works Inc.’s biannual tech competition. Graduate and undergrads from NYU, Pace, Drexel, Denver University and Johns Hopkins will participate today in an online quiz run by top executives and watched by corporate recruiters. Topics include broadband, pay TV, streaming, wireless, and emerging technologies. The top prize is $5,000 which can be applied to tuition costs.
STEM (science, technology, engineering and math): Breezeline was a sponsor of Code Arts, a day-long coding conference for girls that was held at Miami Dade College in March.
“We are excited to support these programs because Breezeline is committed to developing new talent by mentoring students and preparing them for future careers in technology and other disciplines,” Heather Camerano, Breezeline’s Vice President of Human Resources, said in a press release.
Other training initiatives launched recently include programs at the State University of New York Westchester Community College (SUNYWCC), the Cullman Electric Cooperative in Alabama, the Fiber Broadband Association OpTIC Technician (Optical Telecom Installation Certification) programs offered at vocational schools and community colleges and courses being offered by AT&T and Corning.
