Government-backed broadband rollout plugs thousands into skilled jobs and apprenticeships

More than 3,000 jobs and apprenticeships have been created through the UK Government’s Project Gigabit, according to new figures from broadband suppliers.  

The programme is helping deliver the Prime Minister’s mission for growth in every postcode - opening up career opportunities while bringing faster broadband to communities too often left behind.  

Telecoms Minister Ian Murray met apprentices in Hull on Thursday learning the skills to upgrade Britain’s broadband network.  

More than 3,000 jobs and apprenticeships have been created in England through the government’s rollout of faster, more reliable broadband, new figures from broadband suppliers reveal. 

From jobs on the ground in the most rural parts of the country, to office-based roles in finance, operations and other professions, new figures from broadband suppliers released today show the government’s national broadband upgrade is supporting skilled roles across the telecoms sector – driving forward the government’s mission for growth in every postcode.  

As part of the dozens of contracts awarded under Project Gigabit, the UK government’s multi-billion-pound rollout to areas that would otherwise be left behind, many suppliers are expected to deliver wider benefits for local communities alongside better connectivity. This can include creating jobs and apprenticeships, investing in local projects and supporting environmental initiatives.  

The roles created range from fibre engineers, technicians, and network planners to project managers and customer support teams learning practical skills such as installing cables, climbing poles and using specialist equipment safely.  

By opening up paid training and skilled career routes in local areas, Project Gigabit supports the government’s wider work to help more young people into employment or education, empower communities to improve the places they live, and ensure the benefits of growth are shared across the UK.