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Workforce Development Takes Center Stage at Broadband Nation Expo 2025   

As broadband deployment accelerates nationwide, workforce development remains a critical component. Learning Alliance Corporation participated in the Broadband Nation Expo 2025 to advance conversations on training access, credentialing, and career pathways for the next generation of broadband professionals. The blog below, published by Broadband Nation, recaps the event and underscores why education, policy, and industry collaboration must move forward together.

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Broadband Nation Expo 2025: Bridging the Digital Divide
 

Last month, over 700 industry professionals, including government officials, service providers, investors, and technology leaders, gathered at the Omni Orlando Resort for the 2025 Broadband Nation Expo. Co-hosted by Fierce Network and the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the event focused on closing the digital divide and accelerating broadband deployment.

Event Highlights:

  •    • A 2.5 day, multi-track agenda featuring more than 120 speakers on topics like fiber, wireless innovation, workforce development, and              broadband economics.
  •    • A pre‑conference workshop and the “Broadband Nation Connect” networking program, which facilitated over 20 hours of curated                  meetings between service providers and equipment suppliers.
  •    • Participation from a diverse array of sponsors—spanning fiber, fixed wireless, DOCSIS, satellite—and representation from more than 100        service providers, from major operators to rural ISPs.

    Workforce in the Spotlight

    Workforce development was a central theme. During a session led by Steve Harris of Learning Alliance Corporation (LAC), attendees learned how new federal rules now allow 529 education savings plans to cover vocational and certification training. “This is a game-changer for students, career-changers, and the next generation of broadband professionals,” said Steve Harris, SVP of Continuing Education at LAC.


    His remarks underscored how accessible funding and industry-recognized credentials can help build a skilled, future-ready workforce.

    With federal investments like BEAD fueling broadband expansion, the collaboration between government, private sector, and educational institutions highlighted at the Expo is critical. Attendees emphasized that closing the skills gap is just as important as laying cables and deploying infrastructure.

     

    Looking Ahead

    Fierce Netork has already announced that     Broadband Nation Expo 2026 will take place November 18–20 in New Orleans. With such momentum and innovation, the Expo continues to be a key venue for shaping the broadband future across America.

    The 2025 Expo reaffirmed one thing: closing the digital divide isn’t just about technology, it’s about empowering people with the skills they need. And with new funding mechanisms and training opportunities, the future looks bright for broadband workforce development.

     

    Get Involved

    Help shape the future of connectivity:

        ✅ Explore training resources and open jobs at BroadbandNation.org
        ✅ List your job openings to reach qualified candidates
        ✅ Inquire about sponsorship opportunities for Broadband Nation Expo 2026

    Broadband Nation is more than a website, it’s a workforce engine. Through partnerships with organizations like Learning Alliance Corporation, we’re building pathways for the next generation of broadband professionals. From fiber installation to AI-driven network roles, these programs provide hands-on training and certifications that open doors to high-demand careers.

    Together, we can close the digital divide and create opportunities for every community.

     



About Learning Alliance 
Learning Alliance Corporation partners with businesses, colleges, and universities to bring U.S. Veterans and civilians stronger training initiatives that equate to solid career growth. By partnering with employers nationwide, Learning Alliance Corporation has created workshops, labs and simulation programs that align theoretical concepts with real-world application learning. This adaptable approach creates learning solutions based on the community-specific goals, industry, staff skill level, and corporate culture. Learning Alliance Corporation provides quality instructors who are highly trained and specialize in the areas they teach. Learn more at https://www.mylearningalliance.com or contact Lymaris Pabellon at lpabellon@mylearningalliance.com

 

 About Broadband Nation and the Broadband Nation Expo

Broadband Nation is a national initiative focused on connecting the broadband industry with job seekers, training programs, and educational resources designed to build a skilled workforce and bridge the digital divide in the United States. Sponsored by leading industry partners, the program highlights the growing need for broadband talent and provides tools to explore training pathways and job opportunities across the broadband ecosystem.

The Broadband Nation Expo is the flagship annual event within this initiative, bringing together service providers, policymakers, technology innovators, educators, and community leaders to collaborate on expanding high-speed internet access nationwide. Over several days of sessions, workshops, and networking, participants share insights on deployment strategies, funding, workforce development, and emerging technologies that are shaping the future of connectivity. Learn more at https://www.broadbandnation.org/