Quickline has officially opened a new facility in Leeds to support the rapid rollout of fast broadband across rural Yorkshire and help create and inspire the region's future digital workforce.
Thu, 15/05/2025 - 13:35
The Institute of Telecommunications Professionals (ITP) has been approved to deliver telecoms apprenticeship training, backed by industry support from Vodafone and Cornerstone – a move that directly responds to the UK’s growing need for skilled telecoms engineers.
It is now officially a registered training provider for the Level 4 Cellular Network Field Engineer (CNFE) apprenticeship, and after more than a decade of supporting apprenticeships across the industry, this marks a major evolution for the ITP.
The Institute has transitioned from talent advocate to hands-on training provider.
Backed by leading employers including Vodafone and Cornerstone, the programme is designed to meet urgent industry demands for future-ready engineering talent.
“This is a significant shift for the ITP and for the sector,” said Charlotte Goodwill, CEO of the ITP.
“We’re stepping up to not just support apprenticeships, but to deliver training — ensuring learners are equipped to meet the standards the industry needs.”
The CNFE standard focuses on the skills required to build and maintain mobile infrastructure - including 5G - at a time when pressure on UK connectivity has never been higher.
By delivering this programme directly, the ITP is closing the gap between industry expectations and apprentice preparedness.
Since 2013, the ITP has placed thousands of apprentices into the telecoms sector. Achieving provider status allows the organisation to take a more active role in developing the next generation of engineers, shaped by real-world demands and employer feedback.
Vodafone and Cornerstone — supporters of the ITP’s work — welcomed the announcement.
Andrew Murchison, Access Assurance Manager at Vodafone said: “The CNFE standard is key to delivering the connectivity the UK needs, and apprenticeships like this are vital for creating lasting career pathways in our sector.”
“As the industry evolves, it’s essential that training evolves with it,” added Andy Train, CNO at Cornerstone.
“We’re supporting the ITP in helping to develop a highly skilled, future-ready workforce that reflects the needs of our networks and partners.”
