According to figures from broadband suppliers, Project Gigabit has created more than 3,000 jobs and apprenticeships in England.

These jobs fibre engineers, technicians, and network planners, as well as project managers and customer support teams.

Project Gigabit is also supporting 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.

UK Telecoms Minister Ian Murray recently visited Hull, where he met trainees at Quickline’s Training and Innovation Centre learning the hands-on skills needed to deliver faster, more reliable broadband.  

He said: “Behind every new broadband connection are engineers, apprentices and local teams learning the skills to give communities the fast, reliable connections they need for modern life.  

“This is a government which is opening up rewarding careers while delivering the next-generation broadband that homes and businesses need.

“Through Project Gigabit we are doing two jobs at once: creating skilled opportunities and upgrading communities with the connectivity they need to grow – helping make sure growth and opportunity reaches every postcode.”  

Mark Bowden, CEO of Quickline, said: “We were delighted to welcome the Minister to Quickline and give him the opportunity to see first-hand the positive impact Project Gigabit is having, not only by bringing better broadband to rural communities, but by creating skilled jobs, apprenticeships and long-term career opportunities.

“Project Gigabit is showing what can be achieved when investment in connectivity also delivers wider economic and social benefits for the communities it serves, and that’s something we’re very proud to be part of."