Virgin Media announces apprenticeship drive in West Midlands

Virgin Media is set to create about 200 apprenticeships in the West Midlands in a variety of fields, including network engineering and planning.

The positions will be available at the new Eagle Court headquarters in Birmingham, although the scheme will offer apprentices the opportunity to work all over the country.

Participants will receive training in telecommunications and digital entertainment, and will also have the chance to finish their placement with a nationally recognised qualification, reports the Birmingham Post.

The Eagle Court location will also house an advanced engineering and technology laboratory, where the cable company's engineers will trial future innovations.

Maurice Daw, executive director of access at Virgin Media, said the internet service provider is hoping to help young people get on to the career ladder.

"We are very proud of our apprentice programme ... and with the digital media industry growing at such a rapid rate, we hope these new jobs will positively contribute to the region and wider UK economy," he added.

Earlier this year, Virgin Media announced the creation of 120 apprenticeship places, with the trainees gaining experience in the company's TV on demand and fibre optic broadband products.