105 E Tuskeena St

Hayneville, AL 36040

+1 205-422-6004

Let's discuss

Mon - Fri: 9:00 - 5:00

Central time

Black Belt Broadband Action Toolkit · Education & Jobs

Learn how broadband brings jobs

Building broadband takes local people. Using it opens more paths into education, training, employment and entrepreneurship across Alabama’s Black Belt.

← Back to the toolkit

Broadband technician working on a fiber-optic connection outdoors

Three ways connectivity can expand opportunity

Build the network

Fiber installation, splicing, network cabling, wireless systems and maintenance need trained technicians. Deployment can create a local workforce pipeline.

Train for the next step

A dependable connection helps residents explore courses, prepare résumés, apply for jobs and practice digital skills without long trips.

Work and sell online

Businesses can reach customers beyond their county. Some jobs can be done remotely when the worker has the right skills, equipment and service.

Training pathway

The Black Belt Digital Workforce Academy

The October 2026 printed toolkit describes a planned broadband-technician training program in Hayneville, Lowndes County.

SCABCD and Tuskegee University Cooperative Extension describe a partnership with C-Tech, supported by the Just Transition Fund. The proposed introductory program is 4½ weeks (150 hours) of hands-on instruction and offers five industry certifications.

The printed plan says no high-school diploma or prior experience is required and welcomes veterans and justice-involved residents. Ask SCABCD to confirm current enrollment dates, admission requirements, costs and available seats before making plans.

Illustrative starting wages in the print toolkit

Certification area Hourly wage range
OSP Fiber Installation Technician $19.50–$22.00
Network Cabling Specialist $19.50–$22.00
Fusion Splicing Technician $22.00–$25.50
Wireless/DAS Systems Technician $20.50–$24.00
Grounding & Bonding Technician $19.50–$21.00

These figures reproduce the October 2026 printed toolkit and are not a current job offer or wage guarantee. Actual openings and pay vary by employer, location and experience.

Start with one practical step

Ask about academy enrollment

Contact SCABCD for the latest schedule, eligibility and registration information.

Build digital skills

Practice the computer, internet and online-job-search skills that employers ask for.

Explore digital skills →

Academy information: Aaron D. McCall, SCABCD · info@scabcd.com · 334-865-2654

Ask SCABCD about training
Explore education resources