New digital telecommunications training academy brings benefits to Scottish Borders
A new training academy created in the Scottish Borders is helping to improve digital telecommunications infrastructure and skills in the region.
Lincoln-based Cable Telecommunications Training Services (CTTS) have moved to Newtown St Boswells to create the new training facility at Tweed Horizons Business and Conference Centre.
The academy was opened in April this year and so far 145 delegates have passed through the centre to take part in overhead and underground training, aimed at equipping the telecoms industry with the essential skills needed.
A further 24 delegates are scheduled to attend in September alongside six people taking part in the academy’s first funded learning course.
CTTS have been assisted with their move to the region by South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) with a grant of £20,000 to help create the training academy.
The academy has created three jobs so far and is supporting the local supply chain through trainees using local accommodation and hospitality.
CTTS is a subsidiary of Telenco Ltd, Europe’s largest independent digital training & equipment provider in communications cabling and telecommunications technology.
The arrival of CTTS also supports the Digital Borderlands Infrastructure Strategy, which has identified a requirement to upgrade the telecommunications infrastructure in the region.
Colin Jackson, Senior Business Development Manager at CTTS said:
“CTTS is thrilled to announce our arrival in the Scottish Borders, a key strategic area that we believe is pivotal to expanding our business.
“This move not only supports our current business portfolio but also aligns with our exciting diversification plans, particularly in the renewables and funded learning sectors.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to SOSE for their incredible support and engagement throughout this process. The collaboration has been invaluable, and we are grateful for the partnership.
“Moving forward, we are committed to continuing our work together, leveraging our combined strengths and supporting each other to reach new heights.”
Jane Morrison-Ross, Chief Executive of SOSE, said:
“One of SOSE’s key priorities in our Five Year Plan is to bring ambitious inward investment to the region, which develops regional supply chains and supports improvements to infrastructure.
“The arrival of CTTS does all of the above, with the company recognising the unique strengths of the Scottish Borders, and the South of Scotland.
“We are committed to working with partners such as Scottish Development International and South of Scotland Destination Alliance to ensure we shout even louder about what our fantastic region has to offer as a place to invest, work, live and learn.”
Lynne Campbell, a Business Development Specialist at SOSE who has supported CTTS, added:
“It has been a real pleasure to work with CTTS and see what they have managed to achieve in a short space of time.
“Making use of the existing facilities at Tweed Horizon, the new double poling and underground training area allows experienced and qualified CTTS trainers to provide high quality training to both unskilled and skilled individuals. It also showcases the Scottish Borders to companies opting to train staff here.
“Telecommunications training develops transferrable skills that can be utilised in other industries such as wind energy and construction and I am looking forward to seeing how this site can develop further to help reduce skills shortages.”
The Digital Borderlands Infrastructure Strategy is available to view here.