Amid an ageing workforce—60% of the engineers in the UK are over the age of 50—gaps in telecoms training and an eroding talent pipeline, increasing demand for fibre and 5G has exposed significant skills gaps across the country.
According to a recent report by Eightfold AI, 33% of those in the leading network engineering and operation positions are not currently equipped to adapt to emerging telecoms trends, particularly 5G and Open RAN. The talent in the UK is also not equally distributed: there is currently an over-reliance on London and the South East, which is throttling our ability to capitalise on opportunities.
UKTIN is creating a better environment for telecoms innovation in the UK, and helping to fuel wider economic growth.
To do that we need to ensure we have the right skills and talent to capitalise on emerging opportunities. Our UKTIN Talent programme, which launched in June 2023, is a targeted outreach programme designed to attract talent into the industry. It is focused on raising awareness and encouraging education leavers, career returners, switchers and entrepreneurs to consider the telecoms sector.
To truly bridge the telecoms skills gap, the industry must act as a collective. Ultimately, the demand for digital technologies will only be resolved through a large-scale commitment to training, movement of workers and competition.
Like any gap in the market, though, a shortage of skills presents an opportunity, a chance to accelerate innovation and new talent to enter the market ahead of the curve. UKTIN is committed to being a part of this much-needed transformation.
“Our UKTIN Talent Advisory Group brings together key figures from across the UK to raise awareness of the skills, talent and entrepreneurship opportunities and challenges the sector faces, facilitate collective problem solving and act as a guiding mind for the industry, for the benefit of all.”
LESLEY HOLT
UKTIN Lead for UKTIN Talent
- Understanding the challenges, existing and emerging skills gaps
- Supporting educational attainment that addresses skills gaps
- Defining and promoting career pathways
- Creating employment and training opportunities
- Raising the profile of the telecoms sector
- Diversity and inclusion
A career in connectivity offers exciting opportunities to shape society and scope for lifelong learning.
Whether you're still in education, new to the world of work or considering a career switch, we offer support and advice for taking the next step in your career.
Find out which roles in connectivity are most in demand, what they entail and what qualifications you might need to get there.