SES announced the launch of the SES ELEVATE satellite installer training course with ESMT. ESMT has been a leading ICT University in Sub Saharan Africa for more than thirty years.

This SES ELEVATE satellite installer training course is one of the key areas of collaboration enumerated in the Memorandum of Understanding that has been signed this week between SES and ESMT, to bring advanced satellite installer training skills in Senegal.

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.

“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.

Mr Tahirou Ouattara, Director General of ESMT, added, “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.”

As part of the launch week, SES will be training VSAT and direct-to-home (DTH) installers. At the end of each course, installers will be provided with an ELEVATE certificate, which provides the opportunity to generate more income, as well as further develop skills, learn cutting edge techniques, and improve the overall quality of installations.