According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 5G in urban, suburban, and rural areas is expected to create 4.6 million new jobs over the next 15 years. One organization in Pittsburgh is prepared. The Gismondi Job Training Program offers a free adult telecommunications tech course. The Pittsburgh Gazette reported that the 12-week course is offered to help adults secure jobs in the telecom industry.
The program, which works with 10 students per session, focuses on training in copper and fiber optics cabling systems, wireless systems, and grounding. There is no fee to participate in the training, which is held at the Catholic Charities Diocese of Pittsburgh’s Downtown offices. Classes run Monday through Thursday, with five hours of instruction each day.
According to Susan Rauscher, chief executive officer of the Catholic Charities Diocese of Pittsburgh, the curriculum is based on lessons and equipment from C-Tech. She added that the first sessions began in 2023.
Students who complete the three-month program receive five different certifications. These qualifications translate to the skills needed for multiple telecom jobs, including:
- telecommunications technician
- low voltage electrician’s assistant
- security and fire alarm installer
- fiber optics cable installer
- fiber optics production technician
- fiber optics network operator
The Post Gazette reported that The Gismondi program also connects students with employers, including Dish Network and Armstrong Cable. Since 2023, the program has graduated 16 certified students.
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