Digitalization can only succeed if future-proof fibre optic and mobile networks are available throughout the country. However, despite considerable investment by the expanding companies and the efforts of the federal, state and local governments, there is often a lack of personnel. Germany urgently needs qualified and competent specialists along the entire value chain to drive forward the expansion of the network quickly and in a future-proof manner. The “Skilled workers for fiber optic expansion” initiative aims to make a contribution to this with its joint website, among other things. At www.glasfaserausbau.org, it provides an overview of nationwide training opportunities in this field and provides basic information for interested companies and workers.
The new website is intended to counteract the shortage of workers in the field of fiber optic expansion in Germany. The aim is to equip the necessary auxiliary and skilled workers with the right know-how through targeted training measures. Companies, local authorities and training institutions can find the relevant information here. With just a few clicks, network operators, installation and civil engineering companies can find the right training for their employees. In addition, opportunities to get involved in fiber optic expansion and thus participate in one of Germany’s key projects for the future are presented. People already working in fiber optic expansion will receive important information on qualification and further training opportunities. Furthermore, career changers, pupils, trainees and students are encouraged to enter the fiber optic industry.
The website is continuously being developed by those involved and supplemented with up-to-date information for the respective target groups.
On the launch of the website, BREKO Managing Director Dr. Stephan Albers explains:
“The last few weeks and months have shown that the fiber optic market is on the move – the fiber optic expansion business model is booming. There are new cooperations and financially strong investors are waiting in the wings. It is therefore all the more important to counteract the shortage of qualified specialists now in order to make the best possible use of this dynamic. Instead of “watering can” funding, the focus should now be on training skilled workers and improving the framework conditions for companies looking to expand. As part of this important industry initiative, we are pleased to be making an important contribution to accelerating the expansion of fiber optics in Germany and are counting on political decision-makers to take up and support our proposals.”
The initiative was launched in June 2018 by the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce and the Federal Broadband Office, atene KOM. It supports the federal government’s plan to bring fiber optic networks much further into the area. There are enormous challenges associated with implementation. This is because there is a shortage of qualified personnel in the companies building the networks. There is also a lack of planning capacity in the building authorities and in planning and engineering offices. Associations (e.g. from the telecommunications, construction, electrical trades, electrical industry and education sectors) and companies are involved in the initiative. The participants analyze specific bottlenecks and derive options for action, which are implemented step by step. Companies, professionals, career changers, school pupils, students, local authorities and further education institutions can find useful information on the initiative’s information portal at www.glasfaserausbau.org on the topic of skilled workers for fiber optic expansion.
ANGA – ANGA Der Breitbandverband e.V.
BDEW – German Association of Energy and Water Industries
BREKO – Federal Association for Broadband Communication
BUGLAS – Bundesverband Glasfaseranschluss e. V.
DIHK – Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce V.
FFB – Fachverband Fernmeldebau e. V.
FRK – Fachverband Rundfunk- und BreitbandKommunikation e. V.
GLT – Gütegemeinschaft Leitungstiefbau e. V.
HDB – Federation of the German Construction Industry
rbv – Rohrleitungsbauverband e. V.
VATM – Association of Telecommunications and Value-Added Service Providers
VDE – Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies
VKU – Association of Municipal Enterprises
ZVEH – Zentralverband der Deutschen Elektro- und Informationstechnischen Handwerke
ZVEI – Zentralverband Elektrotechnik- und Elektronikindustrie e. V.