Investing in communities and people to build wireless networks.
The NextTech Diversity Program provides a mix of investment, outreach, professional training, certification & licensing, and job placement services. With industry-wide support, we will kick-start careers for hundreds of women and men of color.
The power of the program.
America’s wireless networks and customers are ready for a massive dose of 5G. There are more than 20,000 jobs for new network technicians, tower crews, and commercially licensed drivers to transport and build the needed infrastructure.
Today, women and men of color make up a small percentage of all these jobs.
The NextTech Diversity Program commits to making a significant impact in
three important ways:
1. Graduating, certifying and/or training all eligible candidates in
the program.
2. Guaranteed job placement services for all eligible candidates after
graduating with certifications and/or a commercial driver’s license.
3. Supporting candidates for 12 months after job placement with career
counseling, ranging from career development to financial
management.
Our partners
NextTech Diversity is a program that everyone in wireless can get behind. We’ve contracted with two suppliers that deliver outstanding telecom training. NextTech Diversity’s success depends on the support from companies that build America’s wireless networks. We’re looking to fill the following four pledge levels:
Visionary
These are the companies making the biggest commitment: Funding a total of 40 candidates every year through 2025.
Integrator
Supporting 10-39 candidates annually is amazing—and it’s even better with a commitment through 2025.
Builder
Builder is committed to funding the costs for 5-9 candidates every year through 2025. That’s a short-term investment with the power to change lives for the better.
Connector
When a company pledges to fund the costs of 1-4 candidates each year through 2025, that’s a real commitment that will have a real impact on people’s lives.
About Learning Alliance Corporation.
With nearly $1 million in seed funding, Learning Alliance Corporation will oversee recruitment, training, certification, and job placements—and the cost of the candidates’ schooling is completely covered through NextTech. The Learning Alliance partners with small, medium, and large tower companies across the United States and are closely aligned with the Wireless Infrastructure Association’s Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP).
About New Reflections Technical Institute.
New Reflections Technical Institute began as an entrepreneurship, business, and socialization program focused on youth in the Greater Kansas City area. Now, NRTI offers training and education, including a Commercial Driver’s License Class A training, in addition to courses like Bookkeeping & Accounting, Computer User Support, Secretaries & Administrative Assistants, Carpentry Fundamentals, and Call Center Representative.
Learn more or become a NextTech Network Technician partner or candidate by clicking the link below.
Learn more or become a NextTech Equipment Driver partner or candidate by clicking the link below.
Making a difference through diversity.
Employee spotlight
Joyce Christanio
Sr. Program Manager, Supplier Diversity
As the leader of the NextTech program, Joyce taps into her own experiences to encourage others’ educational & career goals.
Joining together to provide opportunities.
T-Mobile
Mike Simpson
Senior Vice President & Chief Procurement Officer
“I want our corporate values—diversity, equity, and inclusion—reflected in the suppliers we select and the employees they hire. NextTech Diversity is one way we are encouraging opportunity for underrepresented populations in the future telecom workforce.”
Learning Alliance Corporation
Cesar Ruiz
President & CEO
“NextTech Diversity brings heightened awareness and engagement from the wireless infrastructure industry, which will be spending billions of dollars to build out 5G networks across America.”
New Reflections Technical Institute
Mark Byrd
President & CEO
“We pride ourselves on being a diverse and innovative institute dedicated to providing training, education, cultural enrichment and life skills support. Our partnership with T-Mobile and NextTech Diversity will create opportunities for countless numbers of diverse and commercially licensed truck drivers.”
“WIA’s Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP) is perfectly aligned with NextTech as we share its commitment to a safer, highly skilled, and diverse workforce.”
Brent Weil
Vice President, Workforce Development
WIA
“What makes this even more meaningful is that it’s not only about supporting diversity through words only; it’s about taking bold action to ensure diversity in the industry becomes a reality, especially because so many communities of color are barely represented.”
Sindy M. Benavides
CEO
League of United Latin American Citizens
“When companies invest in job training and certification, while making a commitment to hiring under-represented populations, they create opportunities in communities across the country and in the Golden State.”
Jason Paguio
President & CEO
Asian Business Association San Diego
“This program creates opportunities for people of varying genders, nationalities, and backgrounds to begin new career paths. Program graduates will play an important role in accelerating 5G deployments and maintaining critical communication infrastructure.”
Kevin Zvokel
Head of Networks
Ericsson North America
“At KCI, we recognize the importance and benefits of welcoming broader perspectives and cultivating an inclusive culture. Our partnership with NextTech Diversity furthers our dedication and commitment to providing opportunities and developing a workplace that reflects the clients and communities we serve in the telecom industry.”
Christopher Griffith
President/COO
KCI
