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Growth, Opportunity and New Pathways into Digital Careers
Unlocking opportunity alongside infrastructure
The UK’s economy depends on both the continued rollout of high-quality connectivity and the skilled workforce behind it. Investment in digital infrastructure is already reshaping how communities and businesses operate, and alongside these gains sits a significant opportunity to generate high-quality careers in every part of the UK.
Fully realising the benefits of nationwide connectivity means ensuring progress on infrastructure is matched by improved access to the jobs the sector creates. As the UK’s largest independent full fibre platform, CityFibre sees this dynamic first-hand through the wide range of roles supported across engineering, programme delivery and corporate functions.
The company has set a clear ambition to support hundreds of apprentices, reflecting a broader industry focus on strengthening the future skills pipeline through sustained and targeted action.
Why access still matters
Strong sector growth does not automatically translate into universal awareness of the opportunities it creates. For many audiences, careers in digital infrastructure can still feel unfamiliar simply because the pathways into the sector are not always visible.
Having grown up on a rural council estate and attended a state school in a deprived area, I saw how exposure to career pathways can vary significantly depending on circumstance. Experiences like this underline why widening access remains an important priority alongside continued network investment.
In practice, barriers are rarely about formal qualifications alone. More often, they relate to visibility, confidence and understanding of the routes available. Addressing these challenges requires consistent engagement, clearer signposting of entry pathways and sustained collaboration between industry, education providers and policymakers.
From connectivity to capability
Full fibre is often discussed in terms of performance metrics, but its wider economic and social contribution deserves equal attention. High-quality connectivity enables online learning, supports flexible working and helps people build the digital capabilities now required across most sectors.
As rollout progresses, there is a clear opportunity to ensure improved connectivity also supports improved access to careers. Realising this depends on continued investment in early careers pathways, strong cross-sector partnerships and targeted outreach to communities that have historically had less exposure to the sector.
Industry bodies such as techUK play an important convening role here, helping align government, employers and educators around shared workforce priorities. Alongside this, company-led initiatives can help widen early engagement.
CityFibre’s partnership with Springpod to expand virtual work experience in 2025 demonstrates how flexible, digitally delivered programmes can reach students who might otherwise have limited interaction with telecoms careers.
Creating workplaces where people can thrive
Opening the door to digital careers is only part of the journey. Retention and progression are equally important if the sector is to build a workforce that grows with - and reflects - the communities it serves.
Across the industry, there is increasing focus on inclusive working environments. At CityFibre, this has included achieving Disability Confident Level 3 status in 2025, the highest level of recognition under the UK Government scheme, alongside enhanced workforce data tracking to strengthen transparency over time.
When inclusive practices are embedded in this way, organisations are better positioned to retain diverse talent and support long-term workforce resilience.
Looking ahead
The next phase of the UK’s digital infrastructure journey will be defined not just by where fibre is deployed, but by who is able to benefit from the careers it supports. Aligning infrastructure investment with a strong focus on people and skills will be critical to sustaining momentum.
With continued collaboration, targeted skills investment and inclusive workforce practices, the connectivity sector is well placed to help open pathways into high-quality digital careers across the UK.
About the campaign
techUK’s TechTogether campaign, taking place throughout March, is a collection of activities highlighting the UK’s technology sector pursuit to shape a more equitable future. In 2026 we are exploring: Inclusive AI, investing in diverse founders and entrepreneurs, the power of allyship and mentorship, and empowering young people.
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Authors
Charles Hall
As CityFibre’s Public Affairs Manager, Charlie works to advance digital infrastructure rollout and network competition. He previously worked for an MP who sat on the committee holding telecoms ministers to account, and in local government on rural connectivity policy. He has also volunteers with I Have A Voice, supporting greater inclusion and representation across politics and public affairs.