• BAI announces new apprenticeship programme, with successful applicants starting in September 2022
  • Apprentices will support delivery of 4G and 5G ready mobile connectivity across the London Underground Network
  • The 18-24 month programme will give apprentices a level 3 or 4 qualification

To mark National Apprenticeship Week (7 – 13 February), BAI Communications UK, a leader in shared communications infrastructure, is today launching its new Apprenticeship Programme. A programme that will allow people, from diverse backgrounds across the capital to participate in delivering 4G and 5G ready mobile connectivity throughout the London Underground – transforming the digital lives of millions of passengers.

With the number of people starting an apprenticeship falling by 58,000 nationally over the past two years[1], the new initiative aims to support those wishing to learn new skills and to encourage a more diverse workforce in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The fully-funded scheme is now open to school leavers aged 18 and over, with multiple positions available as part of an 18-24 month programme. Successful applicants will work towards level 3 and 4 apprenticeship standards. After successfully completing the programme, our newly qualified apprentices, will be offered the opportunity of a permanent position with the company. This will provide the opportunity to develop their career within a global business and use their training to help design, build and operate complex communications networks.

BAI’s scheme is intended to increase access to the telecommunications, transportation and engineering industries for people across the capital. Applicants will be able to choose between a range of roles including network technician, field technician and project assistant. A broader set of roles are planned to follow next year.

Following an assessment day and a selection experience in summer 2022, the successful candidates will go on to benefit from working alongside experienced senior leaders, a one-to-one mentoring scheme, as well as on the job training and development.

BAI has been awarded a 20-year concession from Transport for London to build a backbone of connectivity across the capital. As such, the apprentices will have the opportunity to work on the delivery of high-speed mobile connectivity across the London Underground – a service used by millions of Londoners and visitors. The Tube is one of the world’s largest underground networks and providing uninterrupted mobile connectivity will allow customers to check the latest travel information, keep on top of their emails, catch up on social media, live stream videos or make calls wherever they are on the Underground.

Abi Todd, People Director at BAI Communications UK, commented: “As a new business in the UK, we are passionate about building a team that is representative of the community we are here to serve in London. Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to gain insight and experience in a sector or career that you may not have considered before. We want to encourage those who might be new to engineering but are interested to come forward for the opportunity to develop skills for the future, through an enriching learning experience involving one of London’s largest infrastructure projects and the iconic London Underground.”

Billy D’Arcy, CEO at BAI Communications UK, commented: “At BAI we are committed to investing in the UK’s future workforce. Creating apprenticeship opportunities that provide routes into work for individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds is one of the best ways of nurturing this talent. We are proud to be giving back to the local community in London, ensuring we give those in the early stages of their career the opportunity to both learn and earn on the job. This is an incredible opportunity to help create, shape and deliver a historic programme that will form a lasting legacy for London.”

BAI will be presenting at Transport for London’s (TfL) Virtual Supply Chain Apprenticeship Fair on Wednesday 9th February 2022, showcasing its work to deliver 5G across the London Underground Network. At the fair, candidates will learn about the opportunities available in the transportation, engineering and construction sectors.

To apply to BAI’s apprenticeship programme get in touch with Rebecca Empey, People Consultant, BAI Communications UK: Rebecca.empey@baicommunications.com

[1] Annual Population Survey, ONS Crown Copyright Reserved [from Nomis, 8 July 2021]