New apprenticeship programmes launched

Norton Maby, Wessex Internet Field Service Engineer installs full fibre broadband at a customer’s property. This is one of the apprentice roles available.

Wessex Internet partners with local training providers to launch new career and training opportunities in Dorset

Local internet service provider, Wessex Internet, which already employs more than 120 people from its base near Blandford, is looking to create the next generation of skilled telecoms professionals in Dorset with the launch of three new apprenticeship programmes. Initially six apprentices are being recruited this year, with plans to recruit new additional cohorts of apprentices on an ongoing basis.

Three potential career paths, with complementary accredited qualifications are now available. Wessex Internet has worked with local training providers The Colleges’ Partnership and Skills & Learning to provide a mix of both on the job and off the job training, full support and assessment so apprentices can gain qualifications while developing new skilled careers in telecommunications.

The three apprenticeship programmes available are:

• Network Cable Installer Apprentice - A 12-15 month scheme to develop skills as an installation engineer, in conjunction with The Colleges’ Partnership. This apprenticeship leads to a Level 3 qualification and membership of the Institute of Telecommunication Professionals.

• Service Delivery Scheduler Apprentice – Training to become a scheduler, responsible for ensuring engineers and garden works teams have an efficient, fully scheduled diary of works. Training from Skills & Learning will enable apprentices to gain a Level 3 qualification in Business Administration.

• Sales/Customer Service Advisor Apprentice – A level 2 apprenticeship, in conjunction with Skills & Learning. Apprentice roles are available in both our sales and customer service teams.

Candidates must be keen to pursue a career in telecommunications. Full details of all roles can be found on our website or potential candidates can email careers@wessexinternet.com for more information.

Hector Gibson Fleming, CEO at Wessex Internet, said:

“As a local and independent business, we’re passionate about creating exciting and rewarding career opportunities here in the Dorset countryside. Our new apprenticeship programmes provide a pathway into the fast-growing telecommunications sector and the many hi-tech career paths available within it. We’re very excited to launch these new career and training opportunities for local people to take their first step into the industry. Working with both the Colleges’ Partnership and Skills & Learning, our goal is to create first-class telecommunications training and careers in the South West.”

Dean Green, Business Development Manager at The Colleges’ Partnership, said:

“We The Colleges’ Partnership, a local well established training provider with over 15 years’ experience delivering apprenticeships, are very excited by this opportunity to support Wessex Internet. The Network Cable Installer apprenticeship will stretch and challenge the apprentices but also cement required skills for the future to the local workforce to support the local community.”

Julia Markus, Business and Outreach Officer, at Skills & Learning Adult Community Education, said:

“We're absolutely delighted, at Skills & Learning (Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole’s local adult education service), to be partnering with Wessex Internet as their training provider for 4 fabulous apprenticeship opportunities. This very successful, fast growing, friendly company is not only bringing superfast broadband to rural Dorset but also great jobs with training and excellent career prospects. We would recommend applying as soon as possible.”