ITS has been awarded the contract to deliver a dark fibre network for Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, aimed at enhancing digital connectivity for underserved businesses and residents, in an initiative that forms part of a £23m Newcastle Town Deal grant.
Mon, 7/04/2025 - 11:18
Openreach is helping jobseekers in Bolton to benefit from a free five-day course in roadworks, signing, lighting, and guarding - in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), tackling unemployment and boosting skills.
Run in collaboration with DWP, the course is part of the company’s commitment to economic equality, job creation, and skills development through Project Gigabit, and provides practical, hands-on learning and industry-recognised accreditations to help participants enter the workforce.
While mainly classroom-based, it focuses on real-world street works - an important sector, which is essential to building and maintaining the UK’s infrastructure.
Anna Phipps, Openreach’s Director of Learning and Development said: “We believe in creating real opportunities for people to develop new skills and improve their employability.
“This initiative gives jobseekers the qualifications they need to step into careers in roadworks, construction, and utilities - sectors that are vital to keeping the country connected.”
The first training session took place at Openreach’s Bolton Training School, with plans to expand the initiative if successful, bringing courses to Exeter, Livingston (Scotland) and Newport (Wales), with delegates invited to take part by their local DWP team.
Ian Ogden, Employer Lead for the DWP in Greater Manchester added: “This course equips people with industry knowledge, valuable certifications, and the confidence to move towards a future career in infrastructure and utilities.”
