From a submarine to Eurobell via CTTS

ALEX SMITH joined the Navy in 1988 working for the Submarine service as a radio operator and then working his way up to a leading radio operator.

Alex: "After having worked in the Navy for 12 years I felt the promotional opportunities were becoming limited and so I decided to leave. I had always considered the telecommunications industry, as I felt that that's where the opportunities were. After weighing up the pros and cons, I finally decided that was the industry for me".

There were a few courses to choose from but Alex finally decided on CTTS - Cable Telecommunications Training Services. Alex: "I saw an ad in Pathfinder magazine and several people had recommended it to me".

With the CTTS course, Alex gained a City & Guilds in data communications, Digital Cable TV & Telephony installations and testing optical fibre installation, single and Multi mode.

Also as part of the Course, Alex had a two week placement with Eurobell. As a result of this he was offered a job to start as soon as the course was finished. Alex: "During the interview I showed them the qualifications that I had gained, they said I had exactly what they were looking for and whereas I had hopes of working in the field they said the high level of my skills meant I'd be better suited in the office".

Alex continues: "It was because of the qualification and skills that I obtained through CTTS that I was both able to get a job so quickly in my chosen field and move on so quickly".

The courses offered by CTTS in digital cable television, data communications and single mode/multi mode fibre optics, use live systems and the latest tools and equipment. A mix of hand-on practical sessions carried out in purpose-built facilities and essential theoretical work ensures that people leave the course prepared for the rapidly changing techniques of the telecommunications world.

CTTS also cater for the whole spectrum of abilities and skills, from beginners to those with previous electrical, electronic or mechanical engineering experience.

The qualifications gained - NVQ's, City & Guilds and National Open College Network certification - are nationally accredited. The company operates an international network of employer contacts and work placements can be arranged with some of the industry's leading exponents an invaluable way of making contacts for the future. Assistance in gaining placements and employment continues outside the course dates as CTTS clients are held on a Job Search database for life.

Telecommunications companies support CTTS courses by supplying various equipment and training aids which is further endorsement of the courses reputation within the industry. Companies of the calibre of ntl, data cabling ltd Comtec and Cable Link Communications are all happy to have their names associated with CTTS.