Clearfield has unveiled the Tribal Broadband Training Initiative, a workforce development program created with industry partners to broaden fiber-optics training on Tribal lands. The effort provides no-cost Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT) training to enrolled Tribal members, supporting Nations in building a skilled workforce to deploy and maintain high-speed broadband networks and foster lasting economic opportunity within their communities.
The three-day CFOT course, accredited by the Fiber Optic Association (FOA), combines classroom instruction with hands-on labs. Trainees gain practical experience in inside plant, outside plant, and access network applications, equipping them for real-world fiber deployment roles and earning an industry-recognized certification upon completion.
The initiative grew out of a workforce development session at Fiber Connect 2025, where leaders highlighted the need for accessible, skills-based training tailored to Tribal communities. In response, Clearfield launched the program with support from industry peers to address this critical gap.
Clearfield plans to host one training session per quarter near Tribal lands nationwide. The first session is scheduled for January 13–15, 2026 at Clearfield’s headquarters in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, followed by a session April 7–9, 2026 at Hopi Telecommunications in Keams Canyon, Arizona, and a third session July 21–23, 2026 at Tri County Tech in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.
“Our goal is to go beyond connecting homes—it’s about connecting people to meaningful careers that strengthen their communities for generations,” said Johnny Hill, Clearfield’s Chief Operating Officer and a member of the Ojibwe Nation. Kelly Weissmann, Clearfield’s Director of Technical Training and Support, added, “It’s a career path you can invest a lifetime in—a career that can raise a family and build a community.” Tzeitel Buchanan of Lumen Technologies emphasized the importance of technicians who understand Tribal customs and communities.
The program also addresses a broader national challenge: the fiber technician shortage. A joint Fiber Broadband Association and Power & Communication Contractors Association study projects the U.S. broadband sector will need roughly 180,000 more workers over the next decade to meet funded network construction demands, with bottlenecks potentially delaying deployments by two to three years without robust workforce development.
By investing in local workforce development, Clearfield aims to ensure that broadband expansion benefits reach Tribal communities and other historically underserved areas. Registration details and future session updates are available on the Tribal Broadband Training Initiative page.
