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S p o n s o r e d P r o f i l e S P R I N G 2 0 2 5 / W O R K F O R M E 47 www.maineconnectivity.org PO Box 817 Portland, ME 04104 PHONE: 207.370.7439 FOUNDED: 2021 PRESIDENT: Andrew Butcher FULL-TIME/ FTE EMPLOYEES: 25 HEADQUARTERS: Portland ADDITIONAL COMPANY LOCATIONS: Bangor, Damariscotta As Maine's public agency leading statewide broadband expansion and digital opportunity work, the Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) is committed to connecting all Maine people. MCA's vision is one where everybody has the connection, devices, skills and security to benefit from the opportunities provided by the internet. The workforce that is needed to build, maintain, operate, and repair these networks presents an exciting opportunity for people interested in connecting Maine. n P R O D U C T S In 2025, MCA will deploy $300 million to build last- mile and middle-mile networks. Exciting career opportunities await in the broadband sector, with great pay and benefits, plus the opportunity to be part of designing, connecting, maintaining, or repairing the critical infrastructure that connects Maine to the world. Maine currently faces workforce gaps, both in structure and skills, which could hinder investment in many sectors including the development of broadband networks. MCA is supporting broadband workforce development, which includes many high-demand skills that are transferable across trades and sectors, adding to the value of working in the industry. Our workforce development report can be found at www.maineconnectivity.org/workforce and includes information on broadband occupations, skills, and career pathways. The transition from the fiber course to Hawkeye was really smooth. Once hired, I got to learn a lot of things very early, went out and got a lot of in-field experience with all aspects of splicing from snap cases to ONTs to drop hanging, testing, troubleshooting, everything. Working here has been really nice. Timothy "TJ" Koskela, 19 C O M P A N Y P R O F I L E Maine Connectivity Authority SCHOOL: Central Maine Community College TIME AT COMPANY: 8 months POSITION: Fiber Splicer at Hawkeye Fiber Optics, in Poland, ME C A R E E R / J O B O P P O R T U N I T I E S Are you ready to launch a rewarding career in the high-demand broadband and fiber optics field? Technical and non-technical skills are needed to support Maine's broadband networks and how we use them. MCA has partnered with the Maine Community College System to create the Fiber Optic Technician Certification program. This program is designed for individuals looking to gain essential skills for installing, testing, and maintaining fiber networks—skills that are increasingly sought after in today's digital age. In just four weeks, you can become a certified Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) Certified Fiber Optic Technician, positioning yourself for a rewarding career with plenty of job prospects. Classes are available on-site in Auburn, with new cohorts starting regularly, so you can jumpstart your new career without delay. Thanks to funding from the BEAD Program, this incredible opportunity is offered entirely for free, and stipends are available. C O M M U N I T Y E N G A G E M E N T MCA is committed to the expansion of broadband across Maine. Be part of a rapidly growing industry and help shape Maine's future. Please reach out to learn more about our work, broadband careers, and about the Fiber Optic Technician Certification program. T J K O S K E L A