UpSmith and West TN ABC Partner to Bring New Low-Voltage Technicians into Skilled Trades

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, July 13, 2023 – The West Tennessee Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (WTCABC) and UpSmith, Inc. today announced a new cohort of low-voltage technicians. The partnership creates high-wage, high-purpose career opportunities for aspiring telecommunications and broadband technicians in the Memphis market. 

“This program creates an incredible opportunity for aspiring technicians to get hands-on education,” said Amber Harris, WTCABC President and CEO. “Not only are they being paid to learn from tenured instructors, but also members of the cohort are eligible for on-the-job training with employer-based mentors.”

UpSmith’s technology platform connects high-potential talent with employers seeking to identify, qualify, staff, and retain skilled tradespeople, and members of WTCABC will sponsor candidates sourced through the platform to earn credentials as low-voltage technician apprentices via paid seven-week career accelerators. WTCABC members collaborated with various parties to shape the accelerated curriculum that ensures individuals are trained quickly and safely with this intensive program.

“UpSmith is a catalyst for creating a skilled workforce,” said Brian Haines, Vice President of Pyramid Electric, Inc. and WTCABC Board Chairman. “I’ve had the privilege of hiring several members of the first and second cohorts, which focused on the electrical trade, and these individuals are well-trained and equipped for apprenticeship duties after only a few weeks of learning. A standard training program would take one year to complete.”

The in-person bootcamp will provide hands-on training and allow the technicians to interact with other professionals in the field. The program is open to all candidates, regardless of their level of experience. Trainees will earn $20 per hour while in the program. Upon completion, annual salaries in the industry begin at $40,000.

“The cost of education has continuously increased,” said Bryson Whitney, Head of Community Engagement at UpSmith. “We are excited to provide Tennesseans with accelerated on-ramps to careers in the skilled trades. In doing so, our program in collaboration with WTCABC gives participants the tools they need to transform their lives, as well as the future of our state and local economy.

For inquiries, contact amber@wtcabc.org or press@upsmith.com. Media kit (logos and launch video) available here.

About UpSmith

UpSmith’s mission is to address the skilled worker shortage by creating high-dignity, high-pay career opportunities for talent. The company solves employers’ needs using technology products to identify high-potential candidates, then facilitates sponsored, accelerated, foundational training to rapidly qualify them for entry-level roles in skilled professions. UpSmith’s initial focus is addressing the 1.3 million unfilled skilled construction and manufacturing jobs in the U.S. This shortage is poised to triple to over 4 million openings by 2030, costing the country $280 billion annually. Globally the problem is even greater, with an 85 million skilled worker shortfall across industries poised to cost $8.5 trillion by 2030. For more information, visit www.UpSmith.com. 

About ABC

Associated Builders and Contractors is a national construction industry trade association established in 1950 that represents more than 22,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 68 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. Visit us at www.abc.org. 

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