ARLINGTON, Va. – The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) today announced Tower MRL, an employer sponsor under the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP), received approval from the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs for use of GI Bill® funding in its apprenticeship program. Tower MRL is the first TIRAP sponsor to receive this distinction.
With this approval, eligible veterans can receive a monthly housing allowance and funds for books and supplies while they participate in a paid Registered Apprenticeship with Tower MRL. Military spouses and children may also be eligible under the program, which is administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“Being able to promote our apprenticeship program as approved for GI Bill® funds is a game changer in terms of recruitment,” said Tower MRL President Chris Mallon. “This puts money directly in the hands of eligible apprentices to pay for housing and supplies, on top of their apprenticeship wages, as they work towards a nationally recognized credential through TIRAP.”
“The approval of GI Bill® funds for a TIRAP employer partner’s program further validates the value of Registered Apprenticeship in telecommunications,” said WIA President and CEO Jonathan Adelstein. “This is a powerful benefit for veterans to support their training for a career in our industry.
“As the U.S. Department of Labor’s industry intermediary for Registered Apprenticeship in the telecommunications, WIA has a goal of increasing diversity and inclusion in apprenticeship, with a special focus on veterans, as they are underrepresented within Registered Apprenticeship nationwide and ideal for our industry. This milestone achieved by Tower MRL is an important step toward increasing veteran participation and is both a best practice and model for other employers in TIRAP to follow.”
About TIRAP:
The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) is the National Sponsor of the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP), a DOL-registered apprenticeship program. Since 2017, WIA has administered National Standards of Apprenticeship for DOL-approved occupations established under the program. Graduates receive national, industry-recognized credentials that certify occupation proficiency and expand opportunities for career advancement. WIA supports participating employers in promoting consistency and uniformity in training across occupations to improve the safety and quality of the wireless workforce.
Contact: Marshall Miller | 717-951-0795 | marshall.miller@wia.org
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