August 26, 2024
Nex-Tech is working to encourage young people in their areas to join the telecommunications industry. In 2021, Nex-Tech conducted a workforce study and realized that replenishing its technical workforce needed to be a strategic focus for the long-term success of the company. The company has been connecting thousands of people and businesses in western Kansas through a robust broadband network and cutting-edge technology for more than 70 years.
“Hiring technical skills in Western Kansas has become increasingly difficult,” says Mike Pollock, Nex-Tech Chief Operating Officer. “We met with NCK Tech and they were willing to partner with us to resurrect and relocate their Telecommunications program to their Hays Campus and utilize the Nex-Tech lab in Victoria,” added Pollock.
“With Nex-Tech’s donation of facility space, financial support for students, and tremendous expertise in these areas, we have created a direct pathway to a rewarding career for these students.” – Corey Isbell Ed.D
The result is the Nex-Tech Technology Education Sponsorship Program for students interested in Telecommunications and Information Technology. The program will cover the cost of tuition and books at North Central Kansas Technical College (NCK Tech), a regional leader in workforce development. The program applies to certain programs within NCK Tech and includes an internship at Nex-Tech and three years employment post-graduation.
“This partnership is a testimony to the power of collaboration between two institutions,” says Corey Isbell Ed.D, VP of Student and Instructional Services at NCK Tech. “With Nex-Tech’s donation of facility space, financial support for students, and tremendous expertise in these areas, we have created a direct pathway to a rewarding career for these students.”
As one program participant put it: “I am excited to start a career, learn new things along the way, and work for Nex-Tech in the future.”