Team Telecom Group (TTG), the global telecommunications specialist with headquarters in Derby, is supporting National Apprenticeship Week (7 - 11 February) following the on-going success of its own apprentice programme.

The company, based on Uttoxeter Old Road, launched its apprenticeship scheme in 2009 with the aim of developing the next generation of radio communications engineers.  To date it has taken on three apprentices across its Team Simoco and AirRadio business operations in the UK, and two in its Australian company ComGroup. 

The programme now sees a yearly recruitment of apprentices, designed to support the company's global expansion and its development of cutting edge communications technology, with each apprentice benefiting from the support of an individual mentor.

In Derby, Steven Fox is now in his second year as an apprentice at Team Simoco. His training has covered all aspects of delivering world-class radio systems, including system engineering design, documentation and integration, site installation and commissioning.  Since the commencement of his apprenticeship Steven has worked on several Team Simoco engineering projects, with him most recently helping to complete a customer installation of a Solar 2 radio communications system.

Team Simoco's latest apprentice, Shane Bayley, joined in October 2010 and has already completed rotations in the company's engineering, customer services and purchasing and supply divisions. Most recently Shane was tasked with designing a test box for a GPS timing control system that monitors radio signal strength. The apprenticeship sees Shane working across the company's range of products, including its cutting edge Tetra, Xfin, and SRP series portable radios, and on completion Shane will become a Junior Radio Engineer. 

Mike Norfield, CEO of Team Telecom Group, says: "Apprenticeships offer the opportunity to combine hands on training in a business environment together with academic qualifications, providing an unrivalled basis for skill development. The apprentices that we have taken on all have tremendous potential, and by working across our business operations with the guidance of individual mentors they are able to continually grow and develop their skills."

Alongside their apprenticeships, both Steven and Shane are studying for a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering with local Derby company Training Services. The two year qualification runs alongside the TTG apprenticeship, with the hands on experience gained by the apprentices helping to support their academic studies.

"The National Apprenticeship Week is vital to build awareness for the importance and standing apprenticeships now hold in business," adds Mike. "Many people have academic qualifications, but in certain industries just as much learning comes from on the job training with professionals who have years of experience. We are proud to offer an apprentice programme that is already producing the next generation of radio communications talent, helping maintain the UK's position at the forefront of this market."

Elsewhere in the Group, Robbie Dawes joined airport radio specialist AirRadio at Heathrow as an apprentice last year and is now developing a range of engineering skills, with his current projects including completing vehicle installations to industry standards, working with aircraft radio systems and designing and building prototype radio control systems. Robbie is also studying for a BTEC in Electronic Engineering at Uxbridge College, with his training at AirRadio complementing his academic studies.