T-MOBILE

MIKE SIMPSON CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER , T-MOBILE

as the case of an industry-wide job training and career placement program – NextTech Diversity – that emerged from the shadows of the pandemic in mid-2020 .

“ I was challenged about how we could do more at T-Mobile , from the diversity of our supply base while buying and spending more with diverse companies . How could we double-down and actually create jobs in such difficult times ?” said Simpson .

Launched in early-2021 , the NextTech diversity program has supported the training of 50 women and men of color during its inaugural year – with a success rate at 100 % for placing those 50 graduates into career opportunities with multiple companies in the wireless industry .

Simpson and his team have raised awareness about programs that support veterans , women and men of color – as well as supported financial assistance to family members of severely injured , permanently disabled or deceased tower workers . That awareness has an impact across the entire T-Mobile enterprise as the company recently announced a USD $ 2.5mn donation supporting the Thurgood Marshall College Fund ’ s scholarships and aimed at opening doors to equitable economic and educational opportunities for young adults .

Simpson added : “ We had our first NextTech Diversity graduating classes , for field technicians and tower climbers , up and running within six months . From a grassroots campaign , we ' ve actually grown this initiative ; during the fourth quarter of 2021 we expanded the program to train candidates interested in getting licensed as commercially-licensed truck drivers – a huge supply chain need in the U . S . right now .”

“ As leaders , we need to actively listen to our teams on a regular basis because some of the best ideas come from throughout the organisation ,” said Simpson . “ Creating NextTech was a prime example of that ,” he said .

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