Charter announced plans on Wednesday to expand its Broadband Technician Apprenticeship Program, which comprises classroom, online, and on-the-job training for technicians as they progress in their careers, to its entire 41-state service area. Veterans who participate in the program are able to receive GI Bill benefits while they earn a paycheck from Charter and build careers with the company. Charter President and COO John Bickham notes the expansion of the program places particular emphasis on opportunities for veterans.
“Our commitment to an outstanding customer experience requires a devotion to craftsmanship among our employees,” Charter President and COO John Bickham comments. “The veterans who work at Charter are best-in-class when it comes to so many of the key attributes of craftsmanship: punctuality, attention to detail, resourcefulness, and communication.”
“As a veteran and former Navy SEAL, I’m inspired to see this tremendous effort by Charter to supply our military men and women with a path for post-military career growth, quality training and excellent benefits, while tapping into a valuable GI resource to help create a stronger workforce here in Missouri,” Missouri Governor Eric Greitens comments.
Charter’s Broadband Technician Apprenticeship Program focuses its training on several areas relevant to a technician’s daily work: customer service, safety and the skills required to perform installations, and service calls. Upon completion, technicians are awarded a national certification through the U.S. Department of Labor. More than 1,000 employees are currently enrolled in the Broadband Apprenticeship Program across Charter systems in five states.
Overall, Charter reports it employs more than 11,500 veterans, which is about 13 percent of its workforce of more than 92,000.