In a move to bridge the digital divide and future-proof its infrastructure, FloridaCommerce on Thursday announced a major, collaborative initiative aimed at developing the skilled workforce necessary to upgrade the state’s communications networks. The effort brings together a powerful coalition of state agencies, educational institutions, and industry partners to attract, train, and deploy the personnel needed to bring reliable broadband internet access to all Floridians.
The initiative involves close collaboration with CareerSource Florida, the REACH Office, the Florida Department of Education, state and technical colleges, Local Workforce Development Boards, and other key stakeholders. It seeks to address the growing demand for skilled workers in the rapidly expanding broadband industry.
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A key component of this initiative is the recent approval by the Florida Department of Education of a new Telecommunications and Fiber Optics Technician program at Miami Dade College. This curriculum is specifically designed to equip students with the high-demand skills required for well-paying jobs in the broadband sector, ensuring a continuous pipeline of qualified professionals throughout the state.
“In partnering with Florida’s state and technical colleges—including Miami Dade College, the Florida Department of Education, CareerSource Florida, Local Workforce Development Boards, the REACH Office, and other public and private sector stakeholders, we are building the workforce needed to support Florida’s broadband industry,” stated Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. He further highlighted Governor DeSantis’ commitment to workforce education, noting that the 2025-2026 Focus on Fiscal Responsibility budget will have invested over $10 billion in this area, ultimately leading to greater economic opportunities for Florida families. “With a steady internet connection, we are providing Floridians with access to find their next professional opportunity, upskill for future jobs and access telemedicine resources,” Secretary Kelly added.
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Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the adaptability of Florida’s colleges in meeting evolving workforce demands. “Florida is leading the nation in talent development because our colleges continue to adapt their programs to meet workforce needs,” said Commissioner Diaz. “Through this new program, students in the Miami area will be able to access high-demand jobs in the broadband industry and we will ensure that our workforce is keeping up with our growing economy.”
“There are so many career opportunities for individuals who are not pursuing traditional four-year degrees,”Madeline Pumariega, President of Miami Dade College said. “This initiative highlights the critical role institutions like ours can play in preparing the workforce needed to bridge the digital divide. The importance of working with academia to deliver the workforce needed to upgrade our statewide communications network cannot be overstated.”
The FloridaCommerce Office of Broadband is also launching “Broadband Nation,” an innovative resource designed to raise awareness about the diverse and lucrative career paths available within the broadband industry.
Leo Garcia, Director of the FloridaCommerce Office of Broadband, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “To deliver on the mission of a completely connected Florida, we must have the skills-based workforce to deploy and maintain our communications networks and also bring awareness to the lucrative career opportunities available in the broadband industry through innovative resources like Broadband Nation, which will help ensure that we attract the workers we need to accomplish this objective.”
To further amplify these efforts, the FloridaCommerce Office of Broadband is partnering with the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) to highlight the extensive employment, education, and training opportunities within the sector.
The scale of the task is significant. Across Florida, approximately 130,000 eligible locations are slated to be connected to broadband by 2030, requiring an estimated 20,000 workers in both direct and indirect broadband-related roles, spanning fiber and coax networks, customer service, cell tower infrastructure, network technology, and construction.
A significant federal investment further supports this undertaking. In partnership with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Florida has been allocated $1.16 billion in Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funds to expand and upgrade its communications networks in underserved and unserved areas.
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