Vermont's Largest Class of Broadband Technicians Graduates

Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) is proud to announce the graduation of its largest class of broadband technicians. The new technicians successfully completed the VCBB's eighth session of Broadband Technician Training in partnership with North Country Career Center. This is a comprehensive training for an entry-level broadband network technician. The three-week course was offered in Newport starting earlier this month and was available to participants at no cost.

The training happens as Vermont is working to finish the state's broadband buildout. Millions of dollars of federal funding from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program are on the way to Vermont, construction is scaling up, and more workers are needed.

"The demand for this training has continued to grow since our first cohort in 2024. As a result of starting the program years ago, Vermont is now in a great place to finish the broadband buildout. In addition, this training has provided the opportunity for dozens of Vermonters to start down a career path that can lead to a wide variety of lucrative roles in the new digital economy," said VCBB Executive Director Christine Hallquist.

The Broadband Technician Training includes OSHA 10, flagging, first aid, CPR, and covers the safety aspects of working outside in remote areas. The training also includes communication, teamwork, and leadership skills to help advance the participants' careers. This is on top of essential broadband skills: splicing testing, repairing fiber optic cables, and the basic physics of how broadband works. Bucket truck operations and how to operate this essential tool in a safe manner are also covered. The final part of the training is pole climbing.

Participants who completed the training received a stipend and tools to help them get started in the field. The next session of the training is not yet scheduled. When it's announced, you can find the information on our social media accounts LinkedIn , Facebook , X , Bluesky and on our website , where you can find additional information and videos about the training. Photos and interviews are available upon request.