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Explore A Career In Telecommunications

Paid Apprenticeships for U.S. Veterans & Military Spouses

Are you a transitioning service member or veteran looking for a civilian career?

WIA/TIRAP Apprenticeship programs offer former military professionals a structured pathway to earn income while learning the skills to pursue a meaningful career in a fast and growing industry.

Transfer your military experience to help secure America’s communication infrastructure which has transformed virtually every aspect of our lives and is at the heart of the United States economy.

The Broadband Industry

Communications Technology has transformed virtually every aspect of our lives and is at the heart of the United States economy.

The telecommunications industry employs more than 300,000 professionals who deliver mission-critical services every day.

RESEARCH OCCUPATIONS

Why Apprenticeships

Earn a salary while you continue to serve by building and securing America’s communication infrastructure.

Apprenticeships help veterans learn the skills necessary to succeed in high-demand Broadband & 5G sector professions.

 

"We have a tremendous opportunity in the tech and telecom sector to create jobs, spur investment, and grow the economy for the benefit of all Americans."
Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr

Earn As You Learn

Earn a competitive wage from your employer during training with wage increases as you develop new skills.


Work-Based Learning

Training opportunities provide structured on-the-job learning to prepare for a successful career with advancement.


Mentorship

Apprentices become part of the team and receive training under the instruction of an experienced mentor.


Credentials

Apprentices earn a portable, nationally-recognized credential and possible credit towards a college degree.

94%

of apprentices who complete an apprenticeship program retain full-time employment, with an average salary of $70,000

Benefits For Veterans

A veteran apprentice can use their GI Bill benefit and receive a tax-free monthly stipend while participating in a Registered Apprenticeship Program.

Post 9/11 Bill Recipients may receive up to $83 per month for books and supplies in addition to their VA housing stipend.  

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Montgomery GI Bill Eligible Veterans

If you are eligible, you may receive up to 36 months of education benefits.

 
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GI Bill Eligible Benefits Approved

If you’re a veteran employed in a registered apprenticeship program, ask your employer if the program is “GI Bill Benefit Approved”.

If you have questions about GI Bill Benefits, visit the VA’s eBenefits website or call 1-800-827-1000 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m – 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time).

 
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Clear Career Path

By the end of your apprenticeship, you are a true expert in the field of your training and have a clear path to follow for your continued career.

5G

Current Apprenticeship Occupations

Telecommunication Tower Technician is a member of a crew performing general construction activities with an emphasis on tower system installation and maintenance and inspection of existing support structures used in the provision of essential telecommunication systems, including personal wireless communications, public safety communications, utility networks, and broadcasting.

Wireless Technician is a member of a crew performing general installation, provisioning, maintenance, troubleshooting/fault isolation, and restoration activities of essential wireless systems used in the provision of essential telecommunication systems, including personal wireless communications, public safety communications, utility networks, and broadcasting.

Telecommunications Tower Antenna & Line Lead (TAL) is a supervised member of a crew performing antenna and line installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting activities on structures in accordance with IAW installation design drawings and/or written scopes of work (SOW). Work performed must comply with all applicable industry standards and best practices. The TAL is authorized to supervise Telecommunication Tower Apprentice/Telecommunication Tower Technician (TTA/TTT) level crew members during the On-Job-Learning (OJL). The TAL may not act as a Competent Person for antenna and line install during this phase of education/training unless deemed competent by the employer for SOW. The TAL assists the Telecommunications Tower Antenna & Line Foreman (TAF) with successful completion of the SOW and may be assigned crew leadership duties.

Telecommunications Tower Antenna & Line Foreman (TAF) is a supervisor of a crew performing antenna and line installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting activities on elevated structures in accordance with IAW installation design drawings and/or written scopes of work. Work performed must comply with all applicable industry standards and best practices. The TAF is authorized to supervise Telecommunications Tower Technician (TTT) and Telecommunications Tower Antenna & Line Lead (TAL) level crew members during the OJL portion of their training.

Telecommunications Tower Construction Lead (TCL) is a supervised member of a crew performing installation/erection, dismantling and/or Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) maintenance of Telecommunications support structures in accordance with IAW installation design drawings and/or written scopes of work (SOW). Work performed must comply with all applicable industry standards and best practices. The TCL is authorized to supervise Telecommunication Tower Apprentice /Telecommunication Tower Technician (TTA/TTT) level crew members during the OJL. The TCL may not act as a Competent Person for structure erection or dismantling during this phase of education/training unless deemed competent by the employer for the SOW. The TCL assists the Telecommunications Tower Construction Foreman (TCF) with successful completion of the SOW and may be assigned crew leadership duties.

Telecommunications Tower Construction Foreman (TCF) is a supervisor of a crew performing installation, demolition, and/or maintenance on elevated structures in accordance with IAW installation design drawings and or written scopes of work. Work performed must comply with all applicable industry standards and best practices. The TCF is authorized to supervise Telecommunication Tower Apprentice/Telecommunication Tower Technician (TTA/TTT) and Telecommunications Tower Construction Lead (TCL) level crew members during the on-job-learning portion of their training.

The Telecommunications Utilities Foreman (TUF) is a supervisor of a crew performing buried & aerial line installation, maintenance and troubleshooting activities in accordance with installation design drawings and or written scopes of work. 

Maintenance & Condition Assessment Lead (MCL) is a supervised member of a crew performing maintenance and condition assessments on antenna supporting structures in accordance with (IAW) ANSI/TIA 222 and/or owners engineering representative. The MCL is intended to cover assessment activities only and does not include any construction activities. Work performed must comply with all applicable industry standards and best practices. The MCL is authorized to supervise Telecommunication Tower Apprentice/Telecommunication Tower Technician (TTA/TTT) level crew members during the on-job-learning. The MCL may not act as a Competent Person for maintenance and condition assessments during this phase of education/training unless deemed competent by the employer for the scope of work (SOW). The MCL assists the Maintenance and Condition Foreman (MCF) with successful completion of the SOW and may be assigned crew leadership duties.

Maintenance & Condition Assessment Foreman (MCF) is a supervisor of a crew performing maintenance and condition assessments on antenna supporting structures in accordance with IAW ANSI/TIA 222 and/or owners engineering representative. The MCF is intended to cover assessment activities only and does not include any construction activities. Work performed must comply with all applicable industry standards and best practices. The MCF is authorized to supervise Telecommunication Tower Apprentice/Telecommunication Tower Technician (TTA/TTT) and TIA Maintenance & Condition Assessment Lead (MCL) level crew members during the on-job-learning portion of their training.

The Fiber Optic Technician (FOT) is a member of a crew performing installation, troubleshooting, termination, splicing, testing, maintenance, and repair of fiber optic cables of essential telecommunication systems, including personal wireless communications, public safety communications, utility networks, and broadcasting. The FOT performs their job duties inside and outside of homes and buildings.

The Underground Utility Installer Technician (UUIT) is a member of a crew with skills in the construction and maintenance of underground or buried telecom utility systems. The UUIT will use skills such as underground utility location, fiber optic technology, and industry regulations as part of their daily work routine. In addition, the UUIT may be required to operate underground equipment.

The Overhead Utility Installer Technician (OUIT) is a member of a crew with skills in the construction and maintenance of overhead telecom utility and broadband systems. Depending on the service provided, the OUIT will work with a wide variety of cabling, including fiber optic cable, as part of their daily work routine. In addition, the OUIT may be required to operate overhead equipment.

The Small Cell Technician installs, troubleshoots and tests small cell sites. Installation of small cell hardware and equipment for both aerial and underground locations.

An In-Building Wireless Installation Technician (IBWIT) is a principal member of a deployment team responsible for creating an environment that delivers indoor cellular services to the occupants of a building through a layer of dedicated infrastructure.  The IBWIT is expected to apply a fundamental knowledge of inbuilding installation practices, basic test equipment uses and safety principles to duties assigned.

 

Are you ready for your next assignment?

You don’t need a four-year IT degree to start your technology career. Apply for an apprenticeship to earn while you learn in a full-time role while gaining real-world experience with an employer who’s invested in your future. In a typical first year, you’ll achieve multiple technical certifications and pay increases. So what are you waiting for?