My grandfather scaled poles to deliver electricity. Broadband is the new frontier.
Ryan Burgess is the president and CEO for Goodwill Columbus.
Rev. Charles Graham established the first Goodwill location in Columbus on Mount Vernon Avenue in 1939.
Around the same time, our nation was in the process of electrifying rural areas, a task primarily carried out by dedicated electrical linesmen, who were predominantly men at that time.
These linesmen, including my grandfather, undertook the demanding job of scaling towering utility poles, braving challenging weather conditions to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of electricity to homes and businesses. Their role was physically demanding and required a deep understanding of electrical systems.
Now, nearly eighty-five years later, we witness the emergence of a new essential profession in our digital era – the broadband technician.
Why is broadband so important?
Broadband technicians play a crucial role in ensuring high-speed internet connections are readily available to homes, businesses, and institutions. Their responsibilities encompass installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting broadband connections, which have become indispensable in our global and digital economy.
The demand for broadband technicians is expected to grow significantly, with over 30,000 such professionals needed to bridge the digital divide in Ohio. Goodwill Columbus is committed to addressing this need.
To achieve this, Goodwill Columbus has initiated collaborations with industry experts and educators to develop comprehensive training programs for aspiring broadband technicians.
This program covers a wide range of subjects, from fundamental broadband technology to advanced troubleshooting techniques. Students not only receive instruction in the technical aspects required for the job but also acquire soft skills and customer service etiquette crucial in this client-facing role.
By equipping individuals for the digital age, Goodwill Columbus ensures that they do not get left behind in a constantly evolving job market.
In-demand job training key
Whether it's through training programs for broadband technicians or our other job training programs, such as digital skills training, information technology credentials, the state-tested nursing assistant certification, or the commercial driver’s License, Goodwill Columbus remains dedicated to providing individuals with the in-demand job skills that lead to increased productivity, higher pay, promotions, prosperity, independence, and self-empowerment.
While many in our community associate the Goodwill name with our thrift stores, they may not be aware that by donating to or shopping at Goodwill, they are fueling our ability to offer these vital job training programs. With their continued support, we have expanded our reach and impact over the decades by providing free job training programs to thousands of individuals, helping them secure their first or next best jobs and charting a path toward stable, long-term employment.
Goodwill Columbus is dedicated to playing this important role and will continue to adapt to the changing needs of the workforce.
We will remain dissatisfied until individuals from all backgrounds have the opportunity to thrive in the digital age.
Ryan Burgess is the president and CEO of Goodwill Columbus.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Broadband training in Columbus, Ohio. Why is Goodwill involved?
