CityFibre have partnered with O’Connor Utilities Ltd (OCU) to launch a new digital infrastructure training centre in Sheffield, which will help people from across South Yorkshire to develop the skills they will need to begin a career in digital construction
The digital infrastructure training centre opens today (27 June) in Newhall, Sheffield.
The centre is part of a £250k investment by OCU to recruit new talent into the industry and grow its workforce to support CityFibre’s digital infrastructure rollout, which is currently in progress in Leeds, Wakefield, Rotherham, St Helens and Sheffield.
OCU has been CityFibre’s build partner for its Sheffield Full Fibre network rollout since February 2021 as part of a £115m investment CityFibre is making that will bring the fastest and most reliable internet services to almost every home and business in the area.
Upskilling workers across Yorkshire
The opening of the digital infrastructure training centre brings a wealth of opportunity to upskill workers across the Yorkshire region and supports the government’s Levelling Up strategy.
The facility will offer theory-based learning alongside practical training in various telecommunication engineering methods, first aid and HSG47 courses. The training facility will also work with the CTP (Career Transition Partnership) and the armed forces to continually provide employment opportunities to service personnel transitioning into civilian life.
‘Engaging and training a new generation of skilled digital infrastructure constructors’
Natalie Ward, area manager, CityFibre, commented: “This marks an exciting time for both CityFibre and OCU as we embark on engaging and training a new generation of skilled digital infrastructure constructors.
“The expanding workforce will bring a variety of benefits to South Yorkshire through continuing to lay the groundwork for the region to develop further as a leader in Full Fibre infrastructure and digital connectivity.
“This investment will help to secure the future growth and success of the region as a forward-thinking business community, as well as providing more jobs for local residents and future generations who can help make CityFibre and OCU’s future roadmap for the region a reality.”
‘A world-class PIA training facility’
Richard Lye, O’Connor Utilities, added: “We believe we have created a future-proofed facility that will secure the future of workforce competency that will, in turn, drive a range of benefits to positively impact the local and surrounding area’s residents and businesses. Thanks to our partnership with CityFibre, we recognised the demand for skilled workers and the need for a new Yorkshire training facility.
“Training an accredited, competent and confident workforce is a top priority for both parties, and through utilising the skills and experience of our sister company, Instalcom, we have been able to deliver a world-class PIA training facility. We look forward to the centre’s growth and providing further accredited courses and training in future.”
