The Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program is about to pour unprecedented funding into the industry that builds and maintains internet infrastructure — but that industry is in desperate need of skilled workers.
BEAD's financial funnel has slowed, and shovels aren't likely to hit the streets till late next year or 2026, but according to industry veteran Scott Woods, "the time is now" to start looking into these job opportunities.
At this year's MountainConnect held in Denver, Colorado, we spoke with Woods, who heads Public-Private Partnerships with Ready.Net, and heard his take on BEAD funding and how the states are planning and creating jobs for the next generation of the broadband workforce.
"My message is simple," he said. "The time is now. There are states and private entities that are looking to train folks right now. Don't be afraid to step out there and try something new... This is just the beginning, but there's gonna be a huge demand for this."
With all of the funding and imminent deployment demands, Woods added that states and regions will be competing with each other. From his perspective in private and public partnerships, this can ideally result in higher wages, better benefits and a more diverse and inclusive workforce for the future.
Alongside the financial prospects, the larger mission behind BEAD makes it an especially unique time to be getting into the industry. "In the end, we don't want any community left behind," he said, "but the reality is there will be."
Woods beckoned the broadband industry and all people considering working in the field to embrace the mindset of our communities and our people to ensure that the least amount of households are left behind in the forthcoming era. "The more we can take on that mindset, the sooner we can bridge this digital divide."
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