August 26, 2024
Alaska Communications’ partnership with Matanuska Telecom Association (MTA) is helping address the need for telecom workers across Alaska.
The partnership supports NECA/IBEW’s Alaska Joint Electrical Apprenticeship and Training Trust, commonly referred to as electrical apprenticeship school. The school provides a series of eight-week hands-on classroom sessions and on-the-job training for a variety of electrical jobs, including telecommunications.
“With a surge of new projects coming to our state, it’s a critical time to grow the telecom workforce in Alaska. 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.” – Matt McConnell, president and CEO of Alaska Communications.
Classroom learning is paired with on-the-job training, where 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.
“It’s great to have such strong industry collaboration among thought leaders in the telecommunications industry. We’re proud to offer a world-class training program tailored to the telecommunications industry and in particular new fiber techniques.” – Melissa Caress, statewide training director, AJEATT
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.