The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) has received $29.9 million from the US Department of Labor (DOL) as part of a cooperative agreement to help employers establish and maintain registered apprenticeship programs.

The WIA, which operates as a trade association for wireless providers and companies, noted that it was one of five US organizations to receive the funding.

According to the WIA, the funding will provide participating employers with pay-for-performance incentives that support the development, expansion, and long-term success of apprenticeship programs across the telecommunications industry.

It comes at a time where telcos are building out infrastructure to deal with demands from AI applications and ahead of the 6G era.

The group said that the aim of the funding is to strengthen the workforce needed to "design, deploy, and maintain the networks that power America’s economy and digital future."

“America’s ability to lead in the next generation of connectivity depends on more than infrastructure investments alone. It depends on the skilled workers who build and maintain that infrastructure,” said Patrick Halley, president and CEO of WIA.

“This funding will help employers create more pathways into high-quality telecommunications careers through apprenticeships while addressing critical workforce needs across the wireless and broadband sectors.”

WIA states that the agreement builds on its existing apprenticeship program, TIRAP (Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program).

The association adds that it will work with employers to expand access to registered apprenticeships, a proven workforce development model that combines paid, on-the-job training with instruction and mentorship.

To date, TIRAP has helped 116 employers train more than 7,000 apprentices across 16 broadband and wireless occupations, while the program has also distributed more than $2.3m in previous incentive funding.

“This award builds on the success we’ve seen through TIRAP and reflects the growing recognition that registered apprenticeship programs are one of the most effective ways to address workforce shortages in our industry,” said Deb Bennett, vice president of apprenticeship at WIA. “We know what works, and we’re excited to expand these opportunities to even more employers and workers nationwide.”