(MERIDIAN, IDAHO) - The U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) announced grant awards that included $2 million for Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 7603 to establish a Registered Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship Program for Broadband Technicians in Idaho aimed at preparing the skilled workforce needed to improve and upgrade broadband infrastructure within the designated counties of Idaho.

CWA Local 7603 Local President Jeremiah Clever said: “As Idaho prepares for a statewide broadband buildout, CWA Local 7603 is committed to train more Idaho residents to become highly skilled Broadband Technicians who know how to build safe, reliable broadband that will stand the test of time.  With the Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Grant for ($2 million), we have an unmatched opportunity to partner with employers, the State and educational institutions to lead the way on this historic fiber buildout, all while raising industry standards and providing good-paying, stable jobs to underrepresented Idahoans.”

Additionally, through a grant awarded by the USDOL to the Urban Institute, CWA will create a Workers’ Rights Training Module for participants in a program to create training pipelines so that underrepresented communities have access to information technology jobs in the Clean Energy Sector.

In addition to training Workers, the CWA will host virtual events for project partners and the public about Workers’ Rights, Labor History and Organizing.

These new programs build on the foundation established by CWA District 9’s Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee, which has administered Apprenticeships for Inside Cabling Technicians for more than 20 years and recently expanded to include Fiber Optic Technicians.

CWA District 9 received a $5.8 million Federal Grant last year and a $4.6 million State Grant this year to expand this program.