Government broadband rollout supports more than 3,000 jobs and apprenticeships, data reveals

More than 3,000 jobs and apprenticeships have been created in England through the Government’s Project Gigabit broadband rollout, according to figures from broadband suppliers.

Roles created through the programme range from fibre engineers, technicians and network planners to project managers, finance and customer support positions.

The apprenticeships provide paid training in areas including cable installation, pole climbing and the safe use of specialist equipment.

Project Gigabit is the Government’s multi-billion-pound programme to deliver faster broadband to areas that would otherwise be left behind, with suppliers also expected to provide wider benefits to local communities.

Some 460 roles created through the programme are based in the East Midlands and Yorkshire and the Humber.

Telecoms minister Ian Murray visited Quickline’s Training and Innovation Centre in Hull, where apprentices are learning skills required to upgrade the broadband network.

Murray said: “Behind every new broadband connection are engineers, apprentices and local teams learning the skills to give communities the fast, reliable connections they need for modern life.

“This is a government which is opening up rewarding careers while delivering the next-generation broadband that homes and businesses need.