Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Astro telecommunications Apprenticeship scheme underway

Astro look to develop the next generation of industry professionals with its first two placements on ITP Apprenticeship Scheme.

Kent, UK 31st March 2014

Astro Communication’s has placed its first two candidates on the ITP Apprenticeship Scheme this month. The scheme has been devised and is operated by the Institute of Telecommunications Professionals (ITP), the leading independent body for the industry.

Astro has a wealth of talented engineers and architects on the team and many, many years of real world experience which has enabled them to deliver the complex solutions and support services to its long standing and ever growing customer base. However, in recognition of the need to develop the next generation of technical and technology savvy professionals, Astro has committed its first two candidates to the scheme and pledged to continue to utilise the programme over the coming years. Its first two candidates James Tuck and Joe Wing, who have been with the company just a few months are looking forward to beginning with their college course this month.

Steve Smith, co-founder and Technical Director of Astro said “Astro has always been keen on developing new talent. With the content and the structure of the scheme, coupled with the mentoring and support from our existing team we believe we can work with these two talented and enthusiastic young men to give them an excellent start in this sector. It has been my ambition for a long time to put something back into the industry that has given me so much and now the timing is perfect for Astro to make a start on this with James and Joe.”

The current intake programme is set to last 18 months and will cover subjects ranging from the building blocks of communication technology through to interpersonal and presentation skills giving the Apprentices a fully rounded education. As well as the college course and mentoring project, candidates on the scheme are able to participate in events and seminars, meet industry leaders face to face and enter the Apprentice of the Year awards.
Steve Hodges, Managing Director went on to say “I am a firm believer in taking raw talent and helping it along the way through training, coaching, mentoring and support and in James and Joe I believe we have two very capable, very committed team members who I am confident will make the very best of this opportunity.”

Astro have ambitious growth plans over the coming years and believe that by providing home grown talent to take the business to the next level it has the greatest opportunity to develop the technical, operational and commercial aspects of the business while keeping the culture that is enjoyed by its customers old and new.

Steve Smith concluded “The industry has gone through so many transitions over the 30 years we have been in business and while there are still many enthusiastic people in the industry, finding those who understand its foundations, the legacy and the underpinning technology is very difficult. Combining that with finding people with the same customer focus and work ethic as the rest of the team is close to impossible. What we believe the scheme will bring to our business is the ability to find these traits and values in people and then build their knowledge from the ground up to provide them with what they need to become the next generation leaders of this industry.”

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For further information, please contact:

Astro – Steve Smith, steve.smith@astro.co.uk or Steve Hodges steve.hodges@astro.co.uk on +44 (0)203 058 7770

About Astro

Astro  has been delivering technical solutions to solve business challenges for nearly 30 years. Founded by two former employees of BT and Cable and Wireless, Astro has gone on to deliver some of the most technically challenging and complex solutions in the market.

Providing services ranging from physical cabling and wireless LAN’s to cloud-based video conferencing and SIP services, key clients include Bourne Leisure Limited, Impellam Group PLC, Capital FM Arena, TGI Friday’s and Wightlink Ferries.

Astro  is headquartered in Hawley Manor, Dartford with staff based all over the country and partner organisations across the globe.

Notes to editors

1. For more information on the ITP apprentice scheme please visit: www.theitp.org