The first cohort of Cumbrian apprentices are now in training for telecoms jobs of the future.
Broadband provider Fibrus and network build partner Viberoptix have committed to creating at least 90 apprenticeships covering a range of roles from underground and overhead cabling to surveying – as part of a £108 million Government investment to provide lightning-speed broadband connectivity throughout Cumbria and level-up the county’s digital infrastructure.
People have now started their apprenticeships at the new Viberoptix Training Academy in Newton Rigg, near Penrith following an extensive refit of the one-time agricultural training college.
Over the autumn, the trainees will gain formal telecoms qualifications, alongside in-class training specific to telecoms and field-based experience, equipping them with the skills and expertise needed to take up long-term careers in the industry. At the end, all trainees will be offered permanent employment.
The Government investment is part of Project Gigabit, a £5 billion mission to deliver lightning-fast, reliable broadband to people across the UK, working with broadband suppliers to achieve 85 per cent gigabit coverage of the UK by 2025, and then to nationwide coverage by 2030.
Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure, Sir John Whittingdale, said: “Ultra-fast, reliable broadband is transforming the way we connect with each other and do business, and creating exciting opportunities in the UK’s growing telecoms industry.
“These apprentices kick-starting their careers here at Newton Rigg are just the first who will be gaining the skills and expertise to take up good jobs and help accelerate the rollout of high-speed broadband in Cumbria.”
Tom Balcombe, 32, of Penrith, is one of the apprentices.
He said: “During Covid I got a job in security, working at a supermarket in Penrith. But I had been looking for a new career path, and I already knew a little about working in telecoms.
“At the end of this programme I want to go out, do overhead cabling and splicing fibre. I am looking forward to gaining a trade – you can never go wrong if you have a trade. This training has piqued my interest massively and it’s a huge gamechanger.”
Fellow apprentice Will Norendal, 22, of Penrith, said: “I have wanted to make a career out of something and telecoms sounds good – I have always been a computer nerd and think this could be quite fun.
“I am only 22 so have only ever done odd jobs. I want a career now and everyone wants to move up in the world don’t they? This training is very interesting – I want to go into telecoms, it is what my mind is set on now, especially now I am gaining this experience. It is something I want to pursue for the rest of my life.”
