Five months after launching the NTCA-Northwood Technical College Digital Badging collaboration, the program has its first graduate: Maggie Raethke, a customer relations specialist at NTEC (Durand, Wis.).
Raethke, a mom of two, said the flexibility within the program and its online courses were the main reasons why she enrolled.
“It allowed me to balance my responsibilities and still gain valuable knowledge in the broadband/ telecom field” she said.
Laura Gullickson, NTEC general manager, said she saw the improvement in Raethke's performance, specifically in her ability to advance her knowledge to effectively communicate to customers and technicians. This has significantly enhanced customer satisfaction and problem solving within the company, she said.
Not only was Northwood Tech the right program for her, Raethke said, but the classes helped her better understand different aspects of the broadband industry, help customers, and do her job more efficiently.
Now, with her digital badge earned, Raethke said the program helped her feel confident and aided her through her professional development.
“Maggie’s enthusiasm and willingness to learn and adapt makes her a great example for others in the company to follow," Gullickson said. "By nurturing and recognizing employees like Maggie, NTEC is fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development, which can contribute to the overall success and innovation of the organization."
Announced in February, the NTCA-Northwood Technical College Digital Badging program provides incentives for employees to earn recognized industry credentials and offers NTCA members defined categories of skilled workers whose proficiencies can be matched to common sets of standards. The collaboration was initiated in response to the Biden administration’s Talent Pipeline Challenge, a call to action for employers, education and training providers and others to support equitable workforce development in critical infrastructure sectors like broadband. Participants will enjoy access to Broadband Academy training for Broadband Customer Service Specialist and Broadband Installer credentials.
“Northwood Tech partnered with NTCA to create the Broadband Digital Badging program based on employer input," said Aliesha Crowe, vice president of Academic Affairs at Northwood Tech. "Offering the program online and in partnership with employers helps ensure that current as well as future employees in rural communities can access the courses when convenient for them.
“We are celebrating Maggie’s success as the first student to earn a Broadband digital badge! We will continue to work with NTCA and member companies to enhance the program to meet the needs of both students and employers."
More information about the collaboration can be found here.