Graduate says six‑week Broadband Futures training led to placement, promotion and on‑the‑job teaching

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners on March 24 approved a $550,000 subaward to the National Center for Urban Solutions (NCUS Tech) to fund the Broadband Futures Program, which provides six weeks of fiber‑optic technician training, coaching and placement services for residents seeking in‑demand technical jobs.

Carmen Barnes, chief operating officer for Job and Family Services, said the award will enroll a minimum of 50 new trainees with a target of graduating and placing 80% of participants in trade‑specific employment. NCUS representatives and a program graduate described outcomes during the meeting.

Dinard Garner, introduced as a recent program graduate, told commissioners the six‑week course and certification directly led to his hiring at CBRE Direct Line where he was promoted to a senior lead role and now trains others on splicing and fiber‑optic installation. "It changed my life...I was placed at CBRE Direct Line...I now run a team of 48 people," Garner said, describing quick advancement and higher wages that he said exceeded his expectations. NCUS presenters argued the field is "AI‑resistant" work with ongoing local demand as data‑center construction and operations expand.

Commissioners approved the subaward by voice vote. The record shows program expectations: six weeks of training, fiber‑optics basic installer certification, career coaching and employer referrals with starting wages cited in the presentation as ranging roughly between $22 and $30 per hour. Presenters and a graduate urged additional hands‑on time and resources to expand training capacity and better match employers’ on‑site expectations.

The county will administer the subaward through Job and Family Services and monitor enrollment and placement outcomes as part of program reporting.