Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) is proud to announce the graduation of a new class of broadband technicians. They were trained at the latest session of the Broadband Technician Apprenticeship/Pre-Apprenticeship Training in partnership with North Country Career Center. This is comprehensive training for an entry-level broadband network technician. The three-week course was offered in Montpelier starting September 17 and was available to participants at no cost.
This was the fourth session of the training and took place as Vermont is ready to make the final push on the state’s broadband buildout. An additional $229 million in federal funding from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program has been allocated to Vermont, construction is scaling up, and more workers are needed.
“We’re so proud of these new technicians. By all accounts they completed the course with flying colors and are highly sought after workers. I was honored to be able to meet each one and give them their graduation certificates,” said VCBB Executive Director Christine Hallquist.
The Broadband Technician Apprenticeship/Pre-Apprenticeship Training includes OSHA 10, flagging, first aid, CPR, and covers the safety aspects of working outside in remote areas. The training also includes communication, teamwork, and leadership skills to help advance the participants' careers. All of this is on top of essential broadband skills, which include splicing testing, repairing fiber optic cables, and the basic physics of how broadband works. Bucket truck operations and how to operate this essential tool in a safe manner are also covered. The final part of this training is pole climbing.
Participants who completed the training received a stipend and tools to help them get started in the field. The next session of the training is not yet scheduled. When it’s announced, you can find the information on our social media accounts LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Bluesky and on our website, where you can find additional information and videos about the training.
10.6.2025. Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB), Montpelier, https://publicservice.vermont.gov/vcbb
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