MTA, Alaska Communications partner to develop next-gen telecom professionals

Matanuska Telecom Association (MTA) and Alaska Communications are partnering up in an effort to address the need for telecom workers across Alaska.

The partnership is in support of NECA/IBEW’s Alaska Joint Electrical Apprenticeship and Training Trust (AJEATT). The trust, commonly referred to as electrical apprenticeship school, provides hands-on classroom and on-the-job training for a variety of electrical jobs, including telecommunications.

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, bringing Alaska closer to its goal of closing the digital divide.

Alaska Communications’ partners have received more than $100 million so far to build reliable, high-speed fiber 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. In my opinion, there’s no better training opportunity than provided by the union. We want more Alaskans to consider these important trade careers which directly improve lives in our communities.”

“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 own people."

Through the partnership, MTA and Alaska Communications are actively promoting and encouraging entry into the apprenticeship school, with a focus on telecommunications.

Apprenticeship school consists of a series of eight-week classroom sessions and on-the-job training. Classes are held at the Electrical Training Centers in Anchorage and Fairbanks. Classroom learning is paired 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.

“It’s great to have such strong industry collaboration among thought leaders in the telecommunications industry,” said Melissa Caress, statewide training director, AJEATT. “We’re proud to offer a world-class training program tailored to the telecommunications industry and in particular new fiber techniques.”

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.

“Several telecom megaprojects are underway as part of an unprecedented effort to connect all Alaskans. This is an exciting time because we have the federal and state resources needed to really move the needle on broadband access,” said Christine O’Connor, executive director of the Alaska Telecom Association. “I applaud these industry giants in our state for working together and thinking outside of the box to find creative solutions for the benefit of fellow Alaskans.”