Matanuska Telecom Association (MTA) and Alaska Communications address telecom workforce shortage

Matanuska Telecom Association (MTA) and Alaska Communications have created a new pact to address the need for telecom workers in Alaska to fulfill the growing need for broadband connectivity.

The partnership supports NECA/IBEW’s Alaska Joint Electrical Apprenticeship and Training Trust (AJEATT).

Commonly called an electrical apprenticeship school, the trust provides hands-on classroom and on-the-job training for various electrical jobs, including telecommunications.

Bridging the underserved

This pact is timely as the state seeks to leverage federal funds to expand broadband in rural areas.

Nearly $2 billion in federal broadband funding is earmarked to connect rural Alaska to the internet. MTA was awarded a USDA Grant Project in Tyonek and Beluga. This project will construct over 50 miles of fiber.

Also, Alaska Communications’ partners have received more than $100 million so far to build fiber-based broadband in 15 communities along the Yukon and Kuskokwim Rivers.

“With a surge of new projects coming to our state, it’s a critical time to grow the telecom workforce in Alaska,” said Matt McConnell, president and CEO of Alaska Communications. "By teaming up with MTA to promote AJEATT, we aim to boost interest and grow the number of highly skilled professionals.”

He added that the program will drive more job creation and enhance the quality of life in Alaska. “In my opinion, there’s no better training opportunity than provided by the union,” McConnell said. “We want more Alaskans to consider these important trade careers which directly improve lives in our communities.”

Michael Burke, CEO of MTA, agreed and added that it will create a local workforce that understands the unique nuances of the communities served with broadband.

“When it comes to connectivity, Alaska is significantly underserved. There is a lot of work to do to close the digital divide, and we want to make sure we’re developing the next generation of telecom professionals,” said Michael Burke, CEO of MTA. “This partnership underscores our commitment to keeping jobs in Alaska and entrusting them to our people."

Telecom apprenticeship focus

Through the partnership, MTA and Alaska Communications actively promote and encourage entry into apprenticeship schools, focusing on telecom.

Individuals who enroll in the apprenticeship school will undergo eight-week classroom sessions and on-the-job training. Classes are held at the Electrical Training Centers in Anchorage and Fairbanks.

The apprenticeship school will pair classroom learning with on-the-job training, meaning students become apprentice employees at companies such as Alaska Communications and MTA and receive real workforce experience through the program. Apprentices in the program receive free schooling and are paid a competitive salary throughout their classroom and on-the-job training. On average, a newly graduated telecom worker through this program will make about $90,000 plus healthcare, paid time off, and a pension.

Through MTA, work is available throughout Eagle River, the Matanuska Susitna Valley and interior Alaska. Through Alaska Communications, work is available in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Kenai Peninsula and beyond supporting bush communities.