SES extends installer training programme to Senegal

Satellite operator SES has teamed up with a local partner in Senegal, Ecole Supérieure Multinationale des Télécommunications (ESMT), to launch a satellite installer training course in the West African country.

The SES Elevate satellite installer training course comes via a wider agreement between SES and ESMT to collaborate in a number of areas that was signed this week. ESMT is a leading sub-Saharan African technology institute.

As part of the launch, SES has sponsored a classroom that will be rebranded, furnished with the necessary equipment, and become the dedicated training venue. SES also created an internet Hub for ESMT and will provide the institution with one year of free internet connectivity via its Astra 2G satellite. The unlimited internet connectivity across the institution will ensure students are able to undertake part of their training online and have access to the internet for additional information.

At the end of each course, installers will be provided with an Elevate certificate. The first course will focus on training VSAT and DTH installers.

The move is the latest in a drive by SES to train installers in the African market under the Elevate imitative. Last month the operator teamed up with Cable Channels Nigeria Ltd (CCNL) to train satellite installers as part of that country’s digital switchover process.

“SES has been working with ESMT through the SES ELEVATE programme for a number of years and to have it provided as a fixed course in the curriculum is a step in the right direction, as more installers will be equipped to support satellite and digital television migration in the country. In addition to providing capacity and managed end-to-end services, SES with its Elevate installer training programme, help ensure customers receive the best service for the installation of their satellite reception equipment. To date, we have trained over 8,000 installers across Africa since the launch of the programme in 2012,” said Andy Anderson, Head of Marketing at SES in Africa.

“We’re excited to introduce the programme as a fixed course in the curriculum and uplift the youth through education. This will empower our youth to become entrepreneurs and start their own businesses, and in the process create employment opportunities for others. Our institution provides certifications and graduate programs within the telecommunications industry and this partnership with SES will enable us to expand our current programme offerings,” said Tahirou Ouattara, director-general of ESMT.