One of the significant challenges facing the wireless and broadcast infrastructure industries is the shortage of a properly trained and qualified workforce. That workforce will be expected to possess the diverse skill set necessary to produce the expansion of universal broadband, public safety and ubiquitous 5G coverage across North America, while repacking the broadcast spectrum. It is estimated that the industry could need up to 20,000 additional technician workers to meet current and future deployment demands.
The National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE), an organisation consisting of over 885 member companies that construct, service and maintain hundreds of thousands of communications towers, distributed antenna systems (DAS) and small cell networks throughout the United States and nine other countries, has been leading on the front lines of this battle and workforce development has emerged as a top priority for the Association.
