Industry Training Resources

Below is a list of telecommunications specific educational and training resources.  Whether you are looking for ways to introduce middle-school students to the industry or searching for technical training for employees, opportunities are linked below. 

Middle School/High School Resources
AEA Learning Online - Interactive Communications Career Module - Iowa Communications Alliance partnered with AEA Learning Online to create an online self-guided Investigative Learning Module.  The module is available to all k-12 students in Iowa through Iowa's Student Personalized Learning System.  The Module introduces students to the telecommunications industry and high-demand telecommunication related career fields.  Students or parents interested in gaining access to the Learning Module should contact their local school.  Additional information is also available on the document linked above.

College Training Programs
Des Moines Area Community College
Network Technology - Telecommunications Certificate - Network Technology Certificate program graduates will be prepared to pursue an entry level career in several areas of Information Technology.  The Certificate program is a two semester program.

Network Technology - Telecom/Data Communications AAS Degree - The Network Technology-Telecommunications/Data Communications program begins with the study of electronics and basic voice communications training. Students progress to data network technologies and fiber optics that are the driving force of the information age. The program provides a blend of lecture and hands-on training courses that gradually introduce students to a variety of areas within the field of IT.  The AAS Degree program is a five semester program.

Northwood Technical College 
Broadband Academy - The Broadband Academy is offered fully online at a time and place most convenient for you and your employees. Whether entry-level or senior personnel, this two-level training program will provide professional development and cross training for employees with the most up-to-date technical content.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Resources
Next Gen Scholars - a partnership between ICA and DMACC.  The Iowa Communications Alliance Next Gen Scholars program was created in response to our member companies need for skilled technicians. This program is available to students planning to pursue either the Network Technology - Telecommunications Certificate or the Network Technology - Telecom/Data Communications AAS Degree.  The process begins with recruitment, followed by an application and approval process. After the candidates are approved, the Iowa Communications Alliance, a sponsoring ICA member company, DMACC, and student split the tuition costs for the program.  The sponsoring company may offer a mentoring program including paid or unpaid internship opportunities while the student attends DMACC.  Successful completion of the DMACC program usually qualifies graduates for an interview at the sponsoring company with a competitive salary and excellent advancement potential, though there is no guarantee of employment. 

Last Dollar Scholarships - a program of Future Ready Iowa.  The Last-Dollar Scholarship is a state-funded program for Iowans who:

  • Are recent high school graduates enrolling in an eligible program full-time OR recent high school graduates who are enrolling in an eligible program part-time and are employed in an approved work-based learning program OR adult learners (20 and older) starting an eligible program at least part-time
  • Have applied for all other available aid
  • Plan to earn a credential for a high-demand job

This program, as the name implies, is intended to cover any remaining gap between federal and state grants/scholarships and tuition and qualified fees. Credentials include postsecondary certificates, diplomas and associate degrees.

Current Iowa Career Opportunities in the Telecommunications Industry
Job Postings from ICA Members - current job postings submitted by ICA member companies.

 

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If you know of resources that should be added to this page, please send the details to Melissa Primus, Director of Membership & Operations for consideration.