South west broadband provider Wildanet has celebrated the opening of a new centre of excellence in Cornwall providing industry-leading training for the next generation of telecommunication engineers.
The Wildanet Technical Training Academy will support the continued roll out of the company’s full fibre network across the region and the creation new local jobs. It is a home-grown answer to providing the cutting-edge training facilities and programmes vital for the region’s digital future, social inclusion and economic growth, not previously available in Cornwall and Devon.
The academy includes an industry-leading ‘pole field‘ – the only facility of its kind in the south west – where engineers can be safely trained in scaling and operating on utility (or telegraph) poles up 9m (30ft) tall.
The facility, based at Wildanet’s Westbourne House headquarters, in Liskeard, was officially opened by local MP Sheryll Murray, who described the project as “inspirational”.
Guests at the event were joined by the trailblazing group of five apprentices who are the first to embark on the new Telecoms Field Operative Apprenticeship programme, developed by Wildanet in partnership with Truro and Penwith College. A further five apprentices are set to join next month.
Murray said: “Wildanet’s ambition, values and forward-thinking approach is transforming digital connectivity in Cornwall, creating inward investment, much-needed quality jobs locally and supporting the Government’s wider strategy to roll-out gigabit-enabled broadband nationally.
“It is incredibly exciting to see a Cornwall-based business become such a leading advocate for new technology and the social and economic opportunities this brings. I applaud Wildanet for the work they are doing to connect communities across Cornwall and Devon and for their far-sighted investment in developing this inspirational new academy.”
Helen Wylde, Wildanet CEO, added: “When we launched Wildanet, we made a pledge to not only bridge the digital divide, but to also offer rewarding career opportunities for the communities that we serve and create a lasting legacy for future generations.
“The academy is at the heart of this pledge and its official opening is a milestone moment, not only for Wildanet but for Cornwall and the south west. I want to acknowledge and praise the hard work and dedication of all those within the Wildanet team and our partners who have helped make it a reality.”
The academy features a full suite of state-of-the-art equipment to train engineers in the theoretical and practical aspects of dealing with fibre installation, including network infrastructure and domestic installation; safely working with underground services and at height; and using microscope-based specialist equipment to splice and test individual strands of fibre optic cable.
Apprentices also hone their skills at Truro and Penwith College’s new multi-million-pound state-of-the-art STEM and Health Skills Centre in Bodmin.
