Earlier this month, the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) announced it had been awarded nearly $30 million from the U.S. Department of Labor to expand Registered Apprenticeship programs for the telecommunications workforce. The investment highlights a growing industry priority: ensuring the wireless sector has the skilled workforce needed to support the networks of today and tomorrow. Read the full announcement here.
As a valued industry partner, NYSWA applauds WIA’s leadership in advancing workforce development nationwide. Investments like these reinforce an important truth—the future of wireless depends not only on innovative technology and infrastructure, but also on the people who design, build, maintain, and lead it. We encourage members to learn more about WIA’s announcement and the impact of this investment on the telecommunications industry.
National Investment. Local Impact.
While workforce development is gaining momentum at the national level, meaningful progress also happens closer to home. State associations play a critical role in fostering professional growth, building industry connections, and creating opportunities for emerging leaders to become actively engaged in the wireless community.
At NYSWA, we’re proud to support that mission through ELEVATE—Empowering Learning, Education, and Visionary Advancement in Telecommunications—our workforce development initiative dedicated to preparing and empowering the next generation of wireless professionals in New York.
Growing the Next Generation of Leaders
ELEVATE is built on four core pillars that support long-term career growth and industry engagement:
- Empowering Learning: Creating a dynamic environment that encourages professionals to explore new ideas, innovate, and expand their knowledge.
- Education: Connecting participants with educational opportunities and industry-aligned learning, including partnerships with leading New York institutions such as SUNY and CUNY.
- Visionary Advancement: Encouraging innovation through exposure to emerging technologies, industry trends, and opportunities to help shape the future of telecommunications.
- Workforce Development: Connecting emerging professionals with industry experts, networking opportunities, mentorship, internships, and pathways that support career advancement.
Our mission is clear: to empower learning, drive education, and propel visionary advancements through a robust Workforce Development Program. We believe in the transformative potential of education and hands-on experience to guide students toward fulfilling careers, foster innovation, and shape the future of the wireless industry.
Continuing to Invest in New York’s Wireless Workforce
As ELEVATE continues to grow, NYSWA is expanding its workforce development efforts through a partnership with Queensborough Community College (CUNY). Together, we’re working to strengthen the pipeline of skilled wireless professionals by creating additional opportunities for education, hands-on training, mentorship, and career placement.
To help support this next phase of growth, NYSWA and Queensborough Community College are pursuing funding through the New York State Empire State Development Office of Strategic Workforce Development. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to preparing a highly skilled workforce that can meet the evolving needs of New York’s wireless industry.
While grant funding will help expand these efforts, the success of ELEVATE depends on strong industry partnerships. We’re inviting our members and industry partners to support the continued growth of the program through:
- Financial contributions that help expand educational programming and student opportunities.
- In-kind support, including mentorship, guest speakers, internship opportunities, equipment, curriculum support, or other industry resources.
- Employer partnerships, including letters of commitment to interview, mentor, and employ program graduates while collaborating with NYSWA and Queensborough Community College to strengthen workforce pathways.
Together, we can help create a stronger talent pipeline that benefits students, employers, and the future of New York’s wireless industry.
Investing in the Future
WIA’s recent announcement is a powerful reminder that investing in workforce development is one of the most important investments our industry can make.
At NYSWA, we’re proud to advance that investment here in New York through ELEVATE by expanding opportunities, strengthening educational partnerships, and connecting emerging talent with meaningful careers in wireless. Interested in supporting ELEVATE or learning more about how your organization can get involved? Learn more about ELEVATE here