EXTON, PA–The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) is partnering with The Center for Military and Private Sector Initiatives to connect broadband companies with military-trained technicians. A non-profit corporation, The Center for Military and Private Sector Initiatives was established in 1995 at the request of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to help transitioning and prior-service military personnel find jobs in the private sector. The Center estimates that between 10,000 and 15,000 program managers, engineers, technicians, and supervisors transition or retire from the military each year.

“For telecommunications companies seeking skilled employees, they now have direct access to a pool of experienced workers who’ve received technical and leadership training from the military,” said SCTE Director, Membership Services and Industry Relations, Melissa Hicks. “It’s a great opportunity for the entire technical community to take advantage of available, ready-made talent.”

According to Martin Berkowitz, managing director for The Center for Military and Private Sector Initiatives, transitioning and former military technicians receive training on a wide range of equipment and technologies—digital message switches (DMS), wire, wireless (CDMA, TDMA), microwave and satellite transmission systems, ATM, voice over IP, TCP/IP, UPS power systems, fiber optics, multiplexing and encryption systems—and are responsible for installing, configuring, operating, testing, troubleshooting, and repairing these technologies.

“Our technical military personnel hold some of the most important positions within the Armed Forces,” said Berkowitz. “These soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines are responsible for real-time voice, data, and video communications. And since a failure or breakdown can have deadly consequences, they’re obligated to uphold round-the-clock uninterrupted service.”

As part of the partnership, SCTE will provide The Center for Military and Private Sector Initiatives with an exhibit booth at Cable-Tec Expo®, the Society’s flagship industry event, coming May 8-11 to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. SCTE will also offer Web site links and other resources so that companies seeking qualified technicians can easily reach The Center for Military and Private Sector Initiatives for more information.

To learn more about The Center, contact Martin Berkowitz at 212-684-1122, or visit The Center’s Military Sourcing page at the Web site of its affiliate, Wesley, Brown and Bartle, at http://www.wbbusa.com/.