Broadband Academy

Technical Diploma

Online

Advance your career

The Broadband Academy is offered fully online at a time and place most convenient for you and your employees. Whether entry-level or senior personnel, this three-level training program will provide professional development and cross training for employees with the most up-to-date technical content.

Instructor led training with flexible, online courses to eliminate travel time and reduce expenses
Courses seamlessly transfer into WITC’s Broadband Internet Technician technical diploma
Improves retention of valuable employees

The Academy is developed into three levels. Students of the Academy can opt to complete 1, 2 or all 3 levels allowing them to build and advance their career. The Broadband Academy’s “a la carte” option also adds to the program’s flexibility.

See the helpful links for additional information about all credit courses and technical diploma options within the broadband area.

Broadband Academy FAQs

Q: Are there options for financial aid and scholarships?
- A: The state has determined that short term diplomas are NOT financial aid eligible, however, WSTA (Wisconsin State Telecommunications Association) and other local telecoms offer scholarships and grants. You must apply and meet the requirements for these scholarships.
Q: Can I find financial assistance through my local job center?
- A: You might qualify but you will need to work with them before registering for the classes at WITC. Please contact your local job center (Workforce Resource Center or CEP) for more information. If you need contact information for the workforce centers in your area, contact Dan.
Q: Can I transfer credits in from previous college classes I have completed?
- A: Yes. The most common class that transfers in is a college level, semester credit, English class. This class may meet the requirements of the Applied Communications class. Official transcripts will need to be sent to WITC. Contact Dan for assistance.
Q: What is the cost for these classes and the required books?
- A: With the cost of credits and additional fees the cost is approximately:
  1 credit class: $177.80
  2 credit class: $313.60
  3 credit class: $470.40 – $533.60
  
  For books: No textbooks are required for level 1 classes. For level 2 classes, $130 covers all 5 classes.
Q: Are there any textbooks for the Cisco classes and IT Essentials and Security?
- A: No. You will be working entirely online and perform virtual lab exercises.
Q: What is the extra charge for Network 201?
- A: You will be required to purchase TestOut Netpro software for $136.
Q: Can I take the classes at my own pace?
- A: Classes are open 24 hours a day/7 days a week. You can work on the classes at the times that best fit your schedule. However, you are required to submit assignments on or before the due date.
Q: What is the focus of the level 1, 2 and 3 classes?
- A: The focuses are as follows:
  - Level 1: The focus is for customer service representatives to gain the knowledge to speak with customers and technicians to the technical side of broadband telecommunications. These courses can help customer service representatives act as a helpdesk for the customer.
  - Level 2: The focus is to help train workers as telecommunications installers and technicians.
  - Level 3: The focus is on networking.
Q: How will the hands-on portion of the level 2 classes be assessed?
- A: The hands-on assessment will take place at WITC-Rice Lake or a local telecommunications company. If you are unable to attend the Rice Lake campus for the 4 hour hands-on portion of the class, WITC is prepared to send out a kit of tools for you to practice with and video your performance for evaluation.
Q: If I haven’t taken Linux Operating Systems, is there a way to waive this prerequisite?
- A: Yes. If you are currently working in the telecommunications field this prerequisite can be waived.

Helpful Links

Fall 2020 Schedule

WITC Broadband Customer Service Specialist
Offered online as part of the Broadband Academy (Level 1)

WITC Broadband Installer
Offered online as part of the Broadband Academy (Level 2)

WITC Broadband Networking Services
Offered online as part of the Broadband Academy (Level 3)

WSTF Grant
The Wisconsin State Telecommunications Foundation (WSTF) has designated four grants of $250 each for students in the Broadband Academy program.

Mosaic Scholarship
Scholarship Application

Wisconsin State Telecommunications (WSTA)
Learn about industry news, careers, scholarships, government affairs and more.

Broadband Academy Levels and Courses

Broadband Customer Service Specialist (Broadband Services Level 1)	8 weeks
Broadband Telco Service 101	1 credit
Broadband Television Service 101	1 credit
Broadband Fiber Service 101	1 credit
Broadband Internet Services 101	1 credit
Applied Communications 1	2 credit
Total credits:	6 credits
Download Level 1 Course Descriptions
Broadband Installer (Broadband Services Level 2)	16 weeks
Broadband Fiber Service 201	3 credits
Broadband Cable Installation 201	3 credits
IT Essentials and Security	2 credits
Broadband Termination and Testing 201	3 credits
Broadband Network 201	3 credits
Total credits:	14 credits
Download Level 2 Course Descriptions
Broadband Networking Services Level 3	16 weeks
Information Security	3 credits
Fiber Optics Outside Plan 301	2 credits
10150109 Wireless Networking and Security	3
10150111 Cisco CCNA 1 Introduction to Networks	3
10150112 Cisco CCNA 3 Scaling Networks	3
10150113 Cisco CCNA 2 Routing and Switching Essential	3
10150114 Cisco CCNA 4 Connecting Networks	3
Total credits:	20 credits
Download Level 3 Course Descriptions

This IMPACT (Interfacing Manufacturing Process and Connecting Technologies) program is 100% funded with an H-1B TechHire Partnership $5 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.This program is an equal opportunity program and auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. (Contact 1.800.243.9482 TTY 711 for program information.)

This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The U.S. Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership.

Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Broadband Online Safety Courses

WITC is pleased to provide a new online safety training opportunity for those working in the broadband industry. Whether you are new to the industry or have many years of experience, safety awareness and training is a requirement. There are six class categories, with a wide variety of specific topics under each one. Register anytime and complete each course at your own pace.

Courses include:

OSHA General Industry
- 15 hours
- Description: Understand OSHA policies, procedures and standards, as well as general industry safety and health principles. Topics include scope and application of the OSHA General Industry Standards. You may register for this online class at any time throughout the semester; however, you must complete the course materials before May 31, 2019. After registration and payment are received, you will receive additional instructions on how to log in and access your course. Business & Legal Resources is the online delivery platform.
Industry Topics
- 15 hours
- Description: Learn all aspects of every employer’s safety and health program for protecting workers from injuries and illnesses in the broadband industry. You may register for this online class at any time throughout the semester; however, you must complete the course materials before May 31, 2019. After registration and payment are received, you will receive additional instructions on how to log in and access your course. Business & Legal Resources is the online delivery platform.
Customer Service & Sales
- 5 hours
- Description: In today’s competitive environment, it is more important than ever to create a strong service culture supported by skills to build loyal relationships with your customers and a better working environment for your employees. After registration and payment are received, you will receive additional instructions on how to log in and access your course. Business & Legal Resources is the online delivery platform.
Office Staff Focus
- 10 hours
- Description: Maximize your employee training to ensure that staff actions contribute to health and safety in the workplace and the individual responsibilities are clearly understood. Gain skills to provide personnel with general information about hazards and accidents in an office environment. Learn best practices to give guidance on risk assessment and control.
  You may register for this online class at any time throughout the semester; however, you must complete the course materials before May 31, 2019. After registration and payment are received, you will receive additional instructions on how to log in and access your course. Business & Legal Resources is the online delivery platform.
Supervisor Focus
- 5 hours
- Description: Keeping workplaces free from hazards is one of the most critical aspects of a comprehensive safety program. Learn best practices for supervisors and managers to maintain safe and healthful workplaces. Ensure employees are adequately protected from hazards. You may register for this online class at any time throughout the semester; however, you must complete the course materials before May 31, 2019. After registration and payment are received, you will receive additional instructions on how to log in and access your course. Business & Legal Resources is the online delivery platform.
Customizable Trainings
- Description:Want a training plan that is customized to the roles of your staff and their specific duties? Check out our various options that can be tailored to meet your specific needs. Contact Paul if you are interested.
  - Broadband Safety: 5 (1–5 modules)
  - Broadband Safety: 10 (5–10 modules)
  - Broadband Safety: 15 (11–15 modules)
  - Broadband Safety: 20 (16–20 modules)
  - Broadband Safety: 30 (21–30 modules)