SCOTLAND’s next generation of digital engineers will test their skills in a replica street – the first of its kind in the UK – at Openreach’s new £485,000 fibre training school in West Lothian.
More than 2000 engineers from across Scotland will train at the Livingston facility, which was opened yesterday by Business Minister Jamie Hepburn.
The 18,700sq ft replica residential street outside the centre features a live fibre network which connects to a local exchange, an office, shop and houses through pavements, ducts, poles and cabinets.
There are also fibre classrooms, with duct pipes, fibre cables and walls replicating the inside and outside of customers’ houses.
Hepburn said: “Investing in the skills of Scotland’s current and future workforce are priorities for the Scottish Government, recognising their positive contribution to our strategic focus on inclusive growth and improving productivity.
“In support of that we will continue to expand the number of apprenticeships available in Scotland, and in this Scottish Apprenticeship Week we fully welcome today’s Openreach announcement regarding their investment in Scotland and its workforce.”
More than 4000 people have applied for 220 new trainee engineering roles being created in Scotland, said Openreach, as the digital network business prepares for a major rollout of full fibre broadband.
The company will also use the centre to help educate policymakers about the technical side of building a full fibre network and is working with further education establishments like West Lothian College to open its doors to engineering students.
Brendan Dick, chairman of the Openreach board in Scotland, said: “Openreach is a long-term partner in Scotland’s success.
“Our network underpins the economy the length and breadth of the country, bringing a vital service to Scottish communities.
“With most people in Scotland able to connect to a superfast service today, we’re proud of our track record.
Senior director of enabling services at Skills development Scotland, Eugene Gallanagh, added: “Work-based learning is providing the skills needed for a successful Scotland.”
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