CityFibre, the UK’s largest independent Full Fibre provider, has partnered with O’Connor Utilities (OCU) to launch the utility contractor’s first training facility in Sheffield.
The centre is designed to help people from across South Yorkshire develop the skills they will need to begin a career in digital infrastructure construction.
The training centre, which opens today in Newhall, Sheffield 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 CityFibre’s £115m investment plan to install fibre internet country-wide.
The new facility will offer theory-based learning alongside practical training in various telecommunication engineering methods, first aid, and HSG47 courses.
The centre 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.
Natalie Ward, Area Manager, CityFibre, said: “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.”
Richard Lye, O’Connor Utilities, said: “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.”
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