AU selected a consortia partner within northeast hub of Ohio’s Broadband and 5G Sector Partnership

ASHLAND, Ohio – Ashland University was selected as a consortia partner within the northeast hub of Ohio’s Broadband and 5G Sector Partnership. The regional hubs were announced this week by Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, who serves as Director of the Governor’s Workforce Transformation.

“In today’s economy and workforce, all Ohioans need access to high-speed internet,” stated Lt. Governor Husted in a news release. “Establishing these regional hubs will regionalize the work of our statewide Broadband and 5G Sector Partnership, empowering local communities to help build the broadband and 5G workforce Ohio needs.”

Youngstown State University will lead the 18-county northeast hub, which will bring together industry, academia and workforce organizations across the region to help minimally serve 100 newly trained students and 25 regional employers. Ashland and Youngstown State were initially selected to participate in the State of Ohio’s 5G Readiness Pilot program in October 2021.

Ashland, in partnership with the Wireless Infrastructure Association, has been providing technical training and career readiness for individuals interested in this rapidly-growing field through a 5G Readiness Certification. It consists of four stackable credentials focused on wireless broadband infrastructure, 5G ecosystem, in-building wireless solutions and 5G broadband deployment.

To date, more than 150 Ohioans have completed at least one of the four WIA credentials through Ashland’s program. As an official consortia partner, Shawn Orr, dean of eAshland, expects those numbers to rise.

“Ohio has a tremendous need for skilled workers who will be part of creating and maintaining a broadband infrastructure, and Ashland University looks forward to being part of the solution. As a partner in the Northeast Ohio Broadband and 5G node, we will expand our ability to provide 5G credentials and certification through the Wireless Infrastructure Association and also will be able to focus on increasing awareness of career opportunities in this industry,” said Orr.

For more information about Ashland’s 5G Readiness program, visit ashland.edu/5G or contact Stephanie Donofe Meeks, director of workforce training and development at Ashland, at smeeks2@ashland.edu or 419-289-5195.

Ashland University is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.