Central Ohio Broadband and 5G

Connecting the World, Shaping the Future

In Central Ohio, education, workforce, and community partners are collaborating with employers across the broadband industry to drive innovation, bridge gaps, and connect globally. Our collective effort aims to support the implementation of Ohio’s broadband and 5G workforce strategy.

Across 11 counties we are focused on expanding career awareness, delivering education and training programs, and leveraging funding to reduce participants’ education and training costs. For more information, please contact: cete-broadband@osu.edu

Preparing for Careers

Ohio aims to build a skilled workforce capable of supporting the expansion and maintenance of broadband and 5G infrastructure, enhancing high-speed internet access for businesses, schools, and families throughout the state.

Explore career pathways in the telecommunications industry.

Interactive Career Exploration Tool

Programs Available in Central Ohio Region

The initiative provides affordable training programs, industry certifications, and hands-on learning opportunities to prepare individuals for high-demand jobs in network installation, maintenance, and telecommunications.

Broadband Infrastructure Training Program

This program prepares students for careers such as a fiber optic cable installer, broadband equipment installation technician, fiber optic splicing technician trainee, and broadband equipment troubleshooter.

Participants will have the opportunity to obtain four industry-recognized credentials:

Certified Premises Cabling Technician (Fiber Optics Association)
Certified Fiber Optic Technician (Fiber Optics Association)
OSHA-10
First Aid/CPR

Currently being offered free to those that are eligible. To apply, complete the application found on the Ohio Means Jobs – Franklin County website.

Employers

The Central Ohio region is working with local employers of all sizes across the telecom industry to shape workforce training. These employers help design training programs based on their needs—whether they provide internet services, build and manage digital networks, or specialize in data centers and fiber installation.

If you’re interested in joining our Regional Employer Advisory Committee or participating in an upcoming hiring event, contact us at cete-broadband@osu.edu to learn more!