Wisconsin Underground Contractors Association

provide a safer work environment,” she conveys.“But the thing I think that we can sometimes forget as well is that technology can turn a job that needs 10 people into something that needs two people. So, utilizing technology can also help with some of the workforce shortages that exist.” Workforce development is top of mind for the organization, as one of the most pressing issues facing members is labor shortages. With the federal government investing billions in expanding broadband infrastructure, the demand for underground workers is set to increase dramatically. “In the state of Wisconsin, the broadband initiative alone is expected to add 10,000 jobs. Right now, there are not 10,000 people available,” Hackney acknowledges. “The last thing we want is to have the broadband installed incorrectly and cause many issues down the line. So, we must invest the time and energy to train those individuals correctly from the start. But also, honestly, we’re going to have to rely very heavily on those already in the market to ensure that the work can be done.” She says one initiative is to talk about the opportunities in working underground, potentially repurposing an existing skilled workforce away from building a house, and “into installing the infrastructure that makes that house livable.” 7 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 06 WISCONSIN UNDERGROUND CONTRACTORS ASSOCIAT ION