Certified tower technician course helps meet growing workforce needs
The tower industry is rapidly growing and so is the need for a trained, skilled workforce. South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) has teamed up with Aiken Technical College to provide free certified tower technician courses to our nation’s military veterans through a partnership with Warriors 4 Wireless and Safety LMS.
During the 12-day certified tower technician course, students participate in classroom lectures and gain practical experience by climbing the College’s 90-foot tall towers. Through the partnership with SCETV, students will also be trained on a 787-foot tall tower in Barnwell, SC, which transmit signals over the SCETV network. This will provide students with practical training on a much taller tower.
Students will also earn several industry-recognized credentials such as OSHA 10, First Aid CPR and Authorized Climber. The first two-week course using SCETV towers began on June 6 and will be offered regularly to help meet the growing need for certified tower technicians.
The College also works with its partners to align students with job opportunities. Warriors 4 Wireless is a charitable organization helping veterans find careers in the growing 5G wireless workforce. The organization has connected over 3,100 veterans to telecom career opportunities and is working with Aiken Technical College to provide career paths through the certified tower technician course.
The College currently awards Pathways funding to eligible students enrolling in the course, which covers 100 percent of the tuition and fees related to the course. Students may also use VA funding to cover course costs.
For more information or to apply for the certified tower technician course and the Warriors 4 Wireless program, visit the Aiken Technical College website.
QUOTES:
“Tower companies need to hire people with the skills to work safely and effectively and this program provides students with the opportunity to earn several industry-recognized certifications and experience climbing cell towers.” - Aiken Technical College Dean Technical and Continuing Education Dr. Steven F. Simmons
“SCETV is excited to be part of an effort that educate veterans in the much-needed tower profession. From broadcasters to cell phone users, we all need dedicated and trained individuals to work on towers to supply the critical data and communications networks around the country. We are happy to partner with Aiken Technical College.” - SCETV Vice President of Engineering and Technology Mark Jahnke
FAST FACTS:
- The 12-day certified tower technician course allows students to gain practical experience by climbing the College’s 90-foot tall towers and SCETV’s 787-foot tall tower in Barnwell, SC.
- The first two-week course using SCETV towers began on June 6 and will be offered regularly.
- Warriors 4 Wireless is a charitable organization helping veterans find careers in the growing 5G wireless workforce.
- Aiken Technical College awards Pathways funding to eligible students enrolling in the course, which covers 100 percent of the tuition and fees related to the course.
- For more information, visit the Aiken Technical College website.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. Using television, radio and diverse digital properties, SCETV's mission is to enrich lives by educating children, informing and connecting citizens, celebrating our culture and environment and instilling the joy of learning. In addition to airing local programs, such as Carolina Classrooms, Making It Grow, Palmetto Scene and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including By The River, Expeditions, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Somewhere South, Yoga in Practice and Live from Charleston Music Hall. In addition, SC Public Radio produces the national radio production, Chamber Music from Spoleto Festival USA.
Media Contact:
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
803-737-3337
Partnership with Aiken Technical College trains veterans using SCETV towers (PDF)
