SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA’S NEW ECONOMY IS GEARED FOR GROWTH: FILLING THE GAP WITH QUALIFIED EMPLOYEES
(Monongahela, PA) – January 16, 2025 – The Mon Valley Alliance is proud to host an essential collaboration with Catholic Charities Pittsburgh to address the pressing need for qualified employees in the expanding economy of Southwestern Pennsylvania. As our region gears up for significant growth, the lack of skilled workers remains a challenge. The Gismondi Job Training Program created and lead by Catholic Charities is stepping in to provide the necessary training to ensure that local fiber and telecommunication businesses can fill their open positions. MVA mission is focused on promoting and marketing economic development and job creation within the Mid Mon Valley communities.
"The Gismondi Job Training Program is crucial for bridging the gap between our local workforce and the high demand for skilled fiber construction workers. As we embark on the 1000-mile broadband initiative within Washington County, it is essential to have a pool of qualified candidates ready to take on these critical roles. This program not only equips individuals with the necessary technical skills but also fosters a strong work ethic, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the challenges of our rapidly evolving industry. By investing in our community’s talent, we are paving the way for sustainable economic growth and enhanced connectivity for all,” said Owen Pucel, Operational Director for the Washington County Authority, the entity running Washington County’s comprehensive broadband program.
The 3-month certification training program is dedicated to equipping candidates with the skills required to meet the demands of the telecommunications and fiber optics industry. With a nationally recognized curriculum aligned with industry standards, Catholic Charities Pittsburgh has led six cohorts across Washington and Allegheny Counties, boasting impressive statistics of a 90% certification rate and a 71% hire rate.
Jamie Colecchi, CEO of Mon Valley Alliance, shared, “The recent announcement from Anchor Hocking, which affects over 300 employees, underscores the urgent need for workforce development in our region. As we face these challenges, the Gismondi Job Training Program offers a vital opportunity for displaced workers to gain skills in fiber optics and telecommunications.”
Fiber construction involves much more than simply climbing a pole to attach a wire; it requires extensive preparation. The WCA project alone will undergo over six months of fieldwork, followed by three additional months of data collection and mapping. This will transition into four to five months of application submissions and two months of redesign. Once all permits are approved, the project will require approximately eight to twelve months for the actual hanging of strands and fiber, splicing, testing, and eventual activation. After activation, the network will demand decades of sales, maintenance, expansion, and improvements. However, this cannot be achieved without a sufficient number of skilled and trained workers.
The Gismondi Training Program is designed to prepare individuals in just three months to step into various roles within pre-, during-, and post-construction broadband projects. By focusing on entry-level positions such as splicers, linemen, cable pullers, and office technicians, the program provides a pathway for dedicated students to launch a rewarding career in the telecommunications field.
For any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact the Washington County Authority at broadbandhelp@co.washington.pa.us.