Morrison Tech Launches Broadband Fiber Technician Apprenticeship Program to Strengthen Workforce in Northwest Illinois
Earlier this year, Morrison Institute of Technology (Morrison Tech), in partnership with Whiteside County Economic Development, JCE Co-op, BEST, Inc., and other key regional stakeholders, launched a Broadband Fiber Technician Apprenticeship Program, a crucial workforce development initiative aimed at supporting the ongoing rural broadband fiber deployment in Northwest Illinois.
This innovative apprenticeship program will train and develop a skilled workforce to support broadband expansion, ensuring that the region has the necessary talent to sustain and enhance its digital infrastructure. The initiative is part of a more significant $121 million investment in broadband deployment, funded by $91 million in Round 3 Connect Illinois Grant funds and $30 million in local matches. This investment will bring high-speed broadband access to more than 10,000 unserved and underserved residents, businesses, and organizations across 1,500 miles of fiber.
Building the Workforce of the Future
One of the most critical aspects of this project is ensuring that a trained workforce is available to support broadband expansion and long-term economic growth. As part of the grant requirements, 10% of the workforce involved in the fiber deployment must be hired from apprenticeship programs, such as the one now established at Morrison Tech. The selection process for apprentices is rigorous and fair, ensuring that the most qualified candidates are chosen. Over the next four years, 60 to 120 new workers will graduate from the apprenticeship program, filling high-demand and high-paying positions in broadband installation, maintenance, and infrastructure development.
Beyond Broadband
Looking to the future, Morrison Tech’s apprenticeship program is structured to expand into other industry sectors, including Advanced Manufacturing, Automation Process Control Technology, and Smart Infrastructure, ensuring that it provides long-term career pathways in high-tech and high-demand fields.
A Game-Changer for Economic Development
Apprenticeship programs like this are critical to economic development and business attraction efforts. Companies seeking new locations or planning facility expansions prioritize regions with a strong, skilled workforce and high-quality infrastructure, particularly broadband connectivity and advanced technical training programs. Launching the Broadband Fiber Technician Apprenticeship Program strengthens Northwest Illinois’ competitive advantage by ensuring a pipeline of qualified talent ready to meet the demands of modern industries.
“Morrison Institute of Technology is always poised to create programs and training that support regional development and growth,” said Chris Scott, President of Morrison Institute of Technology, “The recent additions of the Fiber Technician Apprenticeship and the Automation emphasis for our Engineering Technology program are just the latest examples of our commitment to regional stewardship. We are truly grateful to all who contributed funding and expertise to assist with developing these new workforce development tools.”
Whiteside County: A Vital Part of the Apprenticeship Expansion
The Fiber Technician Apprenticeship Program has cost more than $150,000 to develop, and as part of its ongoing commitment to workforce development, Whiteside County has contributed $20,000 to support it, further reinforcing its investment in talent development and regional economic sustainability. This contribution from Whiteside County and the support from other key regional stakeholders are a testament to our local community’s collective effort and commitment to making this apprenticeship program a success.
“This apprenticeship program is a game-changer for our region,” said Gary Camarano, Whiteside County Economic Development Director. “It provides our residents with valuable career opportunities in a growing field and signals to businesses and investors that Northwest Illinois is serious about workforce development and economic growth. Access to skilled workers is one of the top factors companies consider when selecting new sites, and this initiative helps position our region for future success.”
“Expanding broadband infrastructure is just the beginning,” added Mr. Camarano. “By creating workforce training programs tied directly to this investment, we are laying the foundation for long-term economic growth and job creation in Whiteside County and Northwest Illinois.”
A Connected Future for Northwest Illinois
With broadband fiber deployment underway and workforce development initiatives expanding, Northwest Illinois is not just growing; it is transforming. The Broadband Fiber Technician Apprenticeship Program at Morrison Tech will play a pivotal role in this transformation, ensuring that residents can benefit from new job opportunities while making the region even more attractive for business investment and expansion. This is just the beginning of a connected, prosperous future for Northwest Illinois.
For more information on the Broadband Fiber Technician Apprenticeship Program, contact Scott Connelly, VP of Academics and Career Services Director, at sconnelly@morrisontech.com or (815) 772-7218 ext. 215.
Whiteside County Economic Development
Gary Camarano
(m) 575.520.5279
(o) 815.772.5182
gcamarano@whiteside.org
