Mid-America Technology Center continues to make a major impact on workforce development in Oklahoma through its innovative, rapidly growing Broadband Technician Program. Established through funding provided by the State of Oklahoma’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, the program was designed to address a critical shortage of skilled broadband workers while helping expand reliable high-speed internet access to rural and underserved communities throughout the state. The ARPA grant provided more than $700,000 over three years to launch the program, purchase specialized training equipment, and prepare Oklahoma‘s future broadband workforce. As the initial grant concludes, Mid-America Technology Center has committed to fully funding the program moving forward, reflecting both its success and the continued demand from industry. Of the 12 students who completed the program last year, seven had accepted employment or were in the onboarding process before the school year ended, demonstrating strong demand for graduates entering Oklahoma‘s growing broadband workforce.
Mid-America Technology Center is currently the only technology center in Oklahoma offering a fulltime Broadband Technician Program. The program is led by instructor Kris Miller, a certified Fiber Optic Association professional with extensive telecommunications industry experience. Mr. Miller maintains strong partnerships with regional broadband providers, contractors, and industry stakeholders across Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas to ensure the curriculum reflects current workforce demands and emerging technologies. Companies including Budco Supply, KanOkla Telephone, Pioneer Telephone, Chickasaw Telephone, Com-Tech Sales, Ditch Witch, and OEC Fiber have donated equipment, materials, expertise, and countless volunteer hours to support student success.
MATC remains committed to expanding training opportunities, enhancing equipment and curriculum, and supporting economic growth through workforce development. By preparing highly skilled broadband technicians, the program is not only creating career opportunities for students but also helping strengthen connectivity and communication infrastructure for communities across Oklahoma.
Kevin and Whit are two MATC Broadband graduates who have been recognized by their employers for outstanding performance on the job, which is a direct reflection of the preparation they received through the program. Kevin secured a position as a technician with Chickasaw Telephone Company and is thriving in his new career. He credits his classroom training for getting him there: “I’m forever grateful for all the knowledge you gave us in class, and it really did prepare me for the field, so thank you for that, Mr. Miller, for being a great instructor.” Whit joined OEC Fiber as a technician and sums up his experience simply: “I’m loving my job.”
