Need For Tower Workers With Todd Shlekeway

Episode 12: How NATE is tackling the 5G Labor Shortage Guest Todd Schlekeway, Executive Director of NATE It’s a slow climb to train enough tower technicians. FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr says the U.S. 5G rollout requires 20,000 of them. Unfortunately, that many technicians simply do not exist today. As a result, rollouts are stalling. This week’s guest, Todd Schlekeway, is well-acquainted with this problem. Todd is the Executive Director of the National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE). And he says not a week goes by without someone calling to ask where they can hire more workers. There are several hurdles to bringing climbers on board… the heights, the travel, and the competition from the other construction trades. But a wider reaching problem is the industry hasn’t done a good job of talking about career paths and progression. NATE aims to change this story. Todd describes its upcoming initiatives to: Tell a better industry story to new entrants to the workforce. Reach out to high schoolers who have grown up wireless-savvy to share the story. Work with community colleges and technical institutes to launch programs specifically for our industry. Keep supporting Warriors for Wireless as the organization begins to scale its training. Beyond workforce training, NATE has a busy 2020. The year marks its 25th anniversary, which will be celebrated at the NATE UNITE conference in Raleigh, NC, February 17th-20th. Todd shares details about the event, as well as what else is in store for NATE this year. Listen now and don’t forget to sign up for future episodes! Tweet – 262 characters with spaces/no links   NATE’s been an industry leader for 25 years. Executive Director Todd Schlekeway talks about the hurdles to hiring enough climbers, the initiatives NATE’s working on to alleviate the strain, and what’s in store for NATE in 2020. Listen now to this week’s episode!

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Let's Get Digital is your gateway to the innovators and ideas transforming the digital infrastructure industry. From wireless telecom to fiber networks and data centers, this podcast explores all things digital infrastructure—diving into the trends, technologies, and people shaping the future of connectivity. Hosted by Broadstaff CEO Carrie Charles, each episode features candid conversations with top industry leaders, uncovering the intersection of technology, talent, and transformation. Discover the innovations, leadership strategies, and company cultures driving success in this rapidly evolving landscape. Whether you’re a business leader, a professional aiming to grow, or simply passionate about digital innovation, Let's Get Digital is your go-to resource for staying ahead in this dynamic industry. Tune in and let’s get digital. -- Previously known as 5G Talent Talk with Carrie Charles, the ‘Let’s Get Digital’ podcast is sponsored by Broadstaff in partnership with RCR Wireless News. Broadstaff is a full-service national staffing firm specializing in all areas of digital infrastructure. Since 1982, RCR Wireless News has been the leading media source for unparalleled news coverage, in-depth insights, and comprehensive analysis of the wireless and mobile technology industry