Integration of 5G Technologies in Vocational Training

General

Aitor Iturrioz, Tknika Researcher at the XVII Aotec Fair

 

Projects to Foster Innovation and Adaptation of Vocational Training to Market Needs

Within the framework of the XVII edition of Aotec, the “Sowing Digital Future” event was held at the Asteo Red Neutra stand. Aitor Iturrioz, researcher at Tknika, delivered a presentation on the integration of 5G technology in vocational training (VT) and how this innovation can strengthen collaboration with small and medium-sized enterprises.

 

During his presentation, Iturrioz outlined the structure of the talk in three main sections: an introduction to VT in the Basque Country and the role of Tknika, the development of 5G projects in the network of educational centers, and the importance of strategic partnerships with companies.

 

Iturrioz emphasized that the Basque Country has approximately 100 VT centers and 45,000 students, with solid collaboration with more than 8,000 companies, which has enabled an employability rate of 90% to be achieved.

 

 

Iturrioz explained that Tknika, established nearly two decades ago, has become a European benchmark in applied research and innovation in VT. The institution not only focuses on technical aspects, but also addresses complexity management, the application of agile methodologies, and the creation of innovation routines.

In the field of 5G technology, Tknika has established a research laboratory equipped with devices and open-source software for the creation of private 5G networks.

 

The project led by Iturrioz includes the collaboration of teachers from various centers and seeks to prepare students to contribute to the development and implementation of advanced technologies in companies.

 

Tknika’s 5G research extends to several practical projects, such as the Euskelec electric vehicle race, where 5G kits are used to improve real-time image transmission, and the installation of 5G networks in autonomous robotics laboratories in partnership with Euskaltel. These projects enable students to apply theoretical knowledge in real environments, facilitating comprehensive training.

Manuel Garnelo, CTO of Asteo, highlighted the importance of fiber optics in 5G infrastructure. In this regard, Iturrioz explained that VT centers incorporate practices on fiber optic network deployment and configuration in their curricula.

 

 

Iturrioz also emphasized that VT centers in the Basque Country have the autonomy to develop projects in collaboration with local companies, which fosters innovation and adaptation to market needs. Furthermore, the Deputy Ministry of Training supports these efforts through innovation nodes and specialization programs, designed jointly with companies to meet specific sector demands.

The presentation concluded with a call for companies to engage more proactively with VT centers to identify collaboration opportunities that benefit both education and industry. The synergy between Tknika and technology companies promises to continue driving innovation and professional development in the Basque Country, aligning with the needs and trends of the digital market.

 

 

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Patricia Moreno Pacheco

Deployment Project Manager

Trained as an architect at the University of Seville and with international experience after her studies at the Leibniz Universität Hannover, she has a multidisciplinary technical profile. He stands out for his analytical capacity and leadership in telecommunications infrastructures, providing a highly consolidated strategic vision.

Her career began in civil architecture, working as a Municipal Architect and energy certifier. In 2017 she oriented her career towards the telco sector by joining Nokia as FTTx Network Design Engineer. For five years, he participated in large multinational deployments for operators in the USA, Italy, Chile, the Philippines and Germany. Later, at Inelcom, he took over team management and implementation support for the German UGG network, mastering the construction and last mile phases. All this international supervisory experience brought her to Asteo Red Neutra in 2023, where she manages field operations as Deployment Manager.

Away from blueprints and fiber optics, he is an active person who likes to enjoy his free time. He is passionate about climbing, paddle tennis and traveling, always looking for new environments to disconnect.

David Moreno Llorente

Director of Network Infrastructure and IT Systems

With more than 25 years of experience in the telecommunications sector in Spain, David has developed a solid track record of technical and operational excellence. His profile stands out for a clear focus on continuous improvement, results-oriented management and team management and development.

His career began in 1998 at UFINET, where for more than two decades he evolved professionally to consolidate his position as Director of Network Operation and Maintenance. During this period, he led strategic Engineering & Maintenance (E&M) projects, as well as service transformation and outsourcing initiatives, and performed transversal functions in the Operation and Maintenance units of the different countries in which the company operated, contributing to the standardization of processes and the improvement of operational efficiency.

In 2018, following the creation of Lyntia as an independent company from UFINET's infrastructure business, he continued his professional development as Director of the Operation and Maintenance units, both Access and Transport, providing a key strategic vision for the company.

All this experience in critical infrastructure management led him to Asteo Red Neutra in 2024, where he is currently in charge of the operational area as head of the company's Network Infrastructures and IT Systems.

Outside the professional sphere, David disconnects from technology through his passions: rally raids, scuba diving and cooking with his family.

Laura Díaz

Marketing and Communications Director

With 20 years of experience, Laura has developed the communication strategy for national and international companies. Since the official launch of ASTEO Red Neutra, she has led its communication and content strategy as an external consultant, until her incorporation to the team.

She started her career as a journalist in the IT sector. She specialised in Communication, advising companies in various sectors (banking, asset management, private equity, insurance and insurtech or telecommunications). She led Evercom's Financial Communication department, in charge of the area's growth strategy and the management of the team and clients.

She graduated in journalism from the Universidad Católica Andrés Bello, in Venezuela, took the ABC-UCM master's degree in journalism, and complemented her education with studies in International Business at Dublin Business School, and sustainability at the University of Cambridge.

Married to Santi, she is the mother of two children and, whenever she has some free time, she loves going swimming and to the cinema or enjoying long dinners with friends.

Alfonso García

Director of Business Development and Operations

A Telecommunications Engineer from the Polytechnic University of Madrid and PDD training at the University of Navarra IESE, he has more than 20 years of experience in Telecommunications in leading companies, leading the development of fibre infrastructures and management work in the commercialisation of fibre optic networks.

He began his experience in the Telecommunications Sector in Engineering, Technology and Deployment Departments of data and fibre networks in companies such as Payma Comunicaciones, Iberdrola Ingeniería y Consultoría and Madritel Comunicaciones. After this first technical stage, he developed his more commercial experience in the Iberdrola Group, taking over the Commercial Management of Iberdrola's Fibre Optic Network for Telecommunications Operators for 15 years. Before joining ASTEO Red Neutra, he was an advisor to CableRunner Iberica’s president and Commercial Director of GTD Spain, a Dark Fibre Neutral Operator for National and International Operators and DataCenters in Spain.

Alfonso is convinced of the potential of fibre networks, so he decided to focus his career on this technology from the very beginning.

A father of two, a lover of gastronomy and cooking, he is happy to cook on weekends for his family and friends. In love with skiing in winter and water sports in summer.

Luis Rodríguez

Luis Rodríguez

ASTEO’s CFO and HR Director

With more than 7 years of experience, he has worked in the financial departments of international companies, mainly in SICE CANADA INC (ACS Group Company) based in Toronto and Golden Agri-Resources (Sinarmas Group Company, listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange).

As Chief Financial and Human Resources Officer of SICE Canada Inc, he was responsible for managing the acquisition of capital assets, negotiating financial products with banks and financing entities, preparing and reporting the EEFFs to the parent company and ensuring regulatory compliance, among many other responsibilities.

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Manuel Garnelo

Manuel Garnelo

ASTEO’s CTO and Chief Operating Officer

Responsible for the Engineering and Technology, Deployment and O&M (Operation and Maintenance) Departments. He has more than 20 years of experience in the telecommunications sector. Manuel has been responsible for FTTH deployments at Lyntia, Director of the Central Delegation at Verne, Head of FTTH deployments at Ericsson in the Mediterranean region and of the FTTH Centre of Excellence in Spain.

A Telecommunications Engineer from the Polytechnic University of Madrid, he is an enthusiast of the right of people to have a broadband connection and of the connected society.

Married to Teresa and father of two daughters, in his spare time he repairs and collects old radios and gramophones: if you have a lamp radio and you want to get rid of it, don't throw it away! He will take care of them. He will take care of them.