Close Fiber Workforce Gaps With BEAD

Bringing Fiber Broadband to Every American

Reliable broadband connections are essential for communication, economic development, work, education, healthcare, entertainment and much more. Fiber networks will make these online activities faster, more dependable and increasingly accessible to the countless individuals who rely on them daily.

The Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program seeks to accelerate the construction and implementation of fiber networks across the nation with $42.45 billion in federal funding earmarked for broadband infrastructure development.

What Is BEAD?

Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, BEAD is a federal grant program that aims to get all Americans online by funding partnerships between states or territories, communities and stakeholders to build infrastructure where we need it and increase the adoption of high-speed internet.

Administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), BEAD prioritizes unserved locations lacking internet access entirely or where the available connection speed falls below 25/3 Mbps. Underserved locations, on the other hand, are those with access speeds below 100/20 Mbps.

What Is the Timeline for Funding?

States or territories seeking BEAD funding must develop a five year action plan that outlines their plans for the funds.

  • 2023 September

    Applicants began submitting their BEAD proposals to NTIA.

  • 2023 November

    NTIA began approving BEAD proposals and allocating funding to the states.

  • 2024 & Beyond

    States/territories will begin implementing their BEAD projects, including workforce development initiatives, infrastructure deployment and digital equity programs.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible entities include:

  • All 50 states
  • District of Columbia
  • U.S. territories

How Can Funds Be Used?

Funds may be used for the planning, development and implementation of high-speed internet infrastructure. Eligible uses of funds include:

  • Planning, research, data collection, outreach and training
  • Deploying or upgrading the internet in unserved or underserved communities
  • Installing internet and Wi-Fi in multi-dwelling unit (MDU) residential buildings
  • Adoption and digital equity programs
  • Workforce development and training

Preparing Your Workforce for BEAD

The broadband industry is already facing a shortage of technicians with the skills needed for broad-scale fiber construction. BEAD will likely accelerate the urgent demand for knowledgeable and skilled fiber professionals.

To meet this demand, additional training will be needed in key areas including:

  • Fiber optic architecture
  • Network planning and construction
  • Fiber handling, prep and splicing
  • Optical network installation
  • Customer premises installations
  • Field maintenance

Partner With SCTE for BEAD Training

Need to train your workforce in preparation for BEAD? SCTE has what you need to close your workforce skills gaps and develop your fiber workforce strategy. Upskill and reskill your teams with accessible, relevant training programs including:

  • Online Courses

    Bring teams up to speed on critical fiber skills with online training courses that let them work at their own pace.

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  • Broadband Fiber Installer Boot Camp

    Enhance your skills with our in-person, hands-on training program designed for individuals, providing comprehensive fiber installation techniques and practical experience.

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  • Onsite Boot Camps

    Train your entire workforce at once with our hands-on, immersive onsite learning experiences. Customizable to fit your company’s specific needs and equipment, these boot camps will prepare your team for fiber installation projects.

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  • Professional Certifications

    The industry’s premier professional endorsement.

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  • Local Chapter Meetings

    Connect and learn with local chapter meetings that offer hands-on training, special events, certification testing and fun hands-on Cable-Tec Games.

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  • LiveLearning Webinars

    Engage with other industry professionals in live learning experiences covering current industry topics.

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