Quickline welcomes first cohort of apprentices

NEW RECRUITS: The Quickline apprentices

By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor

Rural broadband provider Quickline has taken a significant step in its commitment to nurturing regional talent by welcoming its first cohort of telecoms apprentices.

The group of eight, aged from 18 through to mid-40s, come from diverse backgrounds and bring a wide range of experiences to their new roles.

After an intensive induction and training programme, the apprentices are now gaining hands-on experience, shadowing qualified engineers in the field as they install full fibre broadband to rural homes and businesses across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

This milestone marks Quickline’s first foray into apprenticeships and reflects the company’s dedication to delivering social value as part of its four government-awarded Project Gigabit contracts. These contracts will see Quickline bringing gigabit-capable broadband to hard-to-reach communities, bridging the digital divide in rural areas.

Wendy Hiley, HR and talent acquisition business partner at Quickline, said: “Welcoming our first telecoms apprentices is an exciting moment for Quickline. As we continue to grow rapidly and expand our network, these new recruits are joining us at a pivotal time.

OPPORTUNITY: Some of the Quickline apprentices at work

“By offering structured apprenticeships, we’re not only investing in the future talent of our industry but also reinforcing our commitment to the communities we serve. Apprenticeships provide a fantastic opportunity for individuals to develop valuable skills while contributing to Quickline’s ambitious plans.”

The eight apprentices began their journey with a two-day induction, learning about Quickline’s mission and operations, followed by a three-week practical training programme. This included mastering key skills such as cabling, pole climbing and splicing.

Among the new recruits is 44-year-old Chris Bedford, from Barnsley, who has transitioned from a career in cyber security to pursue a fresh opportunity.

“I’m completely new to the industry and really enjoying the opportunity to learn new skills and take on something different,” he said.

Sheffield-based Mohammed Ameen, 28, previously worked in quality control and completed a BTEC Level 3 in IT and Telecommunications before joining Quickline.

“The training course gave a fantastic overview of the skills we need in the role. I’m excited to put that knowledge into practice and help install broadband for customers,” he said.

Mathew Beal, 18, from Withernwick in East Yorkshire, was inspired to follow in his father’s footsteps in the telecoms industry.

He said: “It’s been a great experience so far, and I’d like to progress within Quickline. I’m particularly interested in learning how to tackle network faults and problem-solving.”

Quickline’s investment in apprenticeships extends beyond engineering. Opportunities have also been created in areas including IT support, finance and HR.

“Our apprentices are already showing great enthusiasm and determination,” added Wendy. “We’re confident they will play a key role in helping us deliver broadband to rural communities and enjoy successful careers within our organisation.”