Strategic Objective 1: Attract, Train, and Grow the Current and Next-Generation Spectrum Workforce
Developing a National Spectrum Strategy
Modernizing the spectrum workforce and preparing for the future is essential to foster innovation and to keep up with technological advancements, meet the growing demand for spectrum access, navigate our complex policy landscape, and maintain the Nation’s continued economic growth. A well-trained workforce that can fill critical spectrum-related jobs across all relevant sectors is essential to ensuring that the spectrum ecosystem remains effective, efficient, and responsive to the evolving needs of the wireless ecosystem and society at large. Nurturing a skilled and diverse workforce will pave the way for long-term success and leadership in the spectrum domain, positioning the Nation at the forefront of emerging wireless technologies and their associated benefits. This Strategy will promote collaboration among industry stakeholders, academia, and government entities and serve as a catalyst for the development of specialized expertise.
Because a whole-of-government approach is necessary, the U.S. Government will develop and periodically update a National Spectrum Workforce Plan to prioritize development of, and enhancements to, the spectrum ecosystem workforce (including the full range of operational, technical, and policy positions involved in spectrum-related activities). As a first step, human resources professionals should conduct an analysis of the human capital needs for spectrum management and spectrum-related positions. This will help assess the need for modifications to Federal career series or enhancements to retain and attract quality talent.
Through the collaboration framework, academic institutions, Federal agencies, Tribal Nations, and private entities will identify needed education and training programs to equip the current workforce and prepare the future workforce to meet evolving and growing spectrum-related workforce demands. Organizations should encourage participation in conferences, trade shows, and other opportunities for informal collaboration and cross-stakeholder network building, such as through participation in technical and professional organizations. They should consider partnering with colleges and universities to develop programs that offer training in engineering skills to support analysis of spectrum issues, including a work-study program that could result in employment and leverage existing collaboration efforts.
Additionally, stakeholders should work with professional societies to define and update the knowledge needed to teach at different levels and to establish or expand new fellowship programs that place doctorate-level scientists in the U.S. Government and in organizations, as applicable. This would be particularly beneficial for U.S. spectrum-regulating agencies. Similar efforts should be undertaken to engage trade schools to develop and implement certification programs for targeted, spectrum-related skills sets.
"Modernizing the spectrum workforce and preparing for the future is essential to foster innovation...and maintain the Nation’s continued economic growth."
The Administration will proactively engage agencies that invest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education to introduce spectrum topics at an early age and to stimulate students’ interest in these careers through secondary education and beyond. It will be a priority to ensure more diversity by focusing educational development and recruitment efforts towards underrepresented groups, especially for young engineers. It is important to target outreach to underserved populations, such as Tribal communities, where a lack of internet access has disadvantaged many. In total, these efforts to attract top talent and develop spectrum expertise will benefit and serve the public interest at local, state, and Federal levels.