Q&A: Learn about Avivo’s new Telecommunications Installation and Support Career Training Program

In August 2022, Avivo launches a new training program in Telecommunications. We sat down with instructor David Boddy and career education program coordinator Gina Peterson to learn more about the training program and how it’ll help people in Avivo’s programs quickly find employment.

Tell us about this training program. What makes it intriguing?

David: So, what makes this exciting to me is the job sector. It covers a number of career options in growing fields like 5G and wireless internet. They’ll learn a wide range of skills that makes them very, very employable.

We’re looking at cabling within residential and commercial spaces, including fiber optic cabling and wireless cabling, as well as training students on grounding and bonding to make sure that they’re safe within the workplace.

How would telecommunications installation training help someone in other Avivo programs to gain financial independence?

Gina: A lot of entry-level jobs in telecommunications have livable wages for a single person, and there’s the ability to have a family-sustainable wage in a short time. People with these skillsets are in high demand. The job market for telecommunications technicians is large and growing, and entry-level jobs can start around $37,000 – $48,000 per year. One career path might be cable TV/internet installation. Another big, growing one is cell tower technician. And with growth of smart homes and smart technologies, this is another growing aspect of telecommunications. It’s really exciting.

“The job market for telecommunications technicians is large and growing, and entry-level jobs can start around $37,000 – $48,000 per year. One career path might be cable TV/internet installation. Another big, growing one is cell tower technician. And with growth of smart homes and smart technologies, this is another growing aspect of telecommunications.”

David: Everything is becoming kind of connected and automated and that’s the jobs these graduates will be working in. So, there not only should be entry-level jobs available, but they should also be long-term careers and potential progression. They can learn on the job and increase to a really good wage, without a college degree.

What will they learn to enter careers in telecommunications?

David: It’s essentially a collection of five different courses and five different skills. First, the basics of telecommunications technologies, a broad overview of all of the different areas you might encounter within telecom.

The next topic is network cabling, copper-based systems. That is going to be looking at data cables that provide the connected wired networks for commercial spaces or for residential spaces. Examples of essentially what you’ll see in every office.

The next courses are network cabling for fiber optics-based systems, grounding and bonding for copper systems, wireless systems, coverage and capacity. That wireless course will train students for jobs with 5G that are popping up all around the country. If we’re going to expand 5G capabilities, you’re going to need technicians to be able to do that.

“If we’re going to expand 5G capabilities, you’re going to need technicians to be able to do that.”

How will Avivo help graduates find employment?

Gina: As students get ready to graduate, we’ll provide them with support finding employment so they can really hit the ground running. We’ll work with them to gain confidence, get those first, entry-level jobs, and get started in their new career.

Who might want to enter this training program and how long is the training?

Gina: The great thing is that anyone can enter this training. The goal is to have people enroll from Brooklyn Center-area (where the training will take place) and the northern suburbs, with any kind of barrier to employment. There’s a bus line that can bring people from elsewhere to the training, too, so access to a personal vehicle isn’t required. After this seven-week training, they’ll be ready for employment.

How could donors or volunteers help enhance this program?

One big way could be for employers or individuals to come in and conduct mock interviews or coming in to talk about communication in the workplace. If you’re interested in learning about more ways to volunteer, contact Brittany Biggers.

Thanks to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) for supporting this training program through a Pathways to Prosperity, Bridge to Career Pathways grant.