Trainee Engineer Review

I am a trainee engineer working for Openreach. I work in the service delivery sector, installing, repairing and providing customers telephone and broadband services. My job is varies day by day, no two tasks are the same and is very customer focus based, making sure as a service delivery engineer i provide the best customer service possible.

I have learnt many new skills, and have been accredited for some of the skills I learnt. SWQR - Signing, Lighting & Guarding which allows me to setup road works. MDF - Working within the exchange EUSR - Working in the street Received training on hearth and safety, using power tools, climbing poles, and customer service

From the beginning it has the programme has given me new skills, allowed me to test myself both mentally and physically. it has been very rewarding and made me think more positively about what I can achieve. I have overcome challenges that I would otherwise not thought possible, at times its been tough but I have enjoyed the experience.

every step is well organised and structured in a way that makes it doable. Support is always at hand making the experience run smooth. I feel you only get out what you put in, and I am encouraged to do my best. The year long apprenticeship I have always felt I have the support if I need it.

I receive training days, coaching days and classroom testing days. I can call other engineers and Openreach provide a telephone 'Coach on Demand' service where I can get on site help if I need it. They have also given engineers an App called 'Visualisation' which allows the coach to see what I see which is a brilliant idea and very useful.

I get 10 NVQ classroom days throughout my year long apprenticeship, which allows me to ask questions to both my assessor and work colleges. My assessor is always contactable both on the phone and via email. being an ex engineer his knowledge of the job has helped me to gain more knowledge of the job too.

It allows me to gain a better understanding of the company and every element of my job role. I've had to research all aspects from a corporate level to the day to day job I do as an engineer. It refreshes my memory when i am out doing my job and increased my knowledge base.

We have Team meetings where all the trainee engineers in my patch get together. it allows us to be made aware of our performance how to work smarter but it is a good opportunity for all engineers to chat about the job we do. At Christmas we had a team meal, again allowing all the engineers in my patch to get together and put the world to rights ;)

Yes

My Nephew joined Openreach through hearing my praise of the company. The job wont suit everybody, but gives me a sense of achievement when I get a customer into service. you are encouraged to better yourself and become an excellent engineer. The company as a whole makes me proud to work for them.

Be open minded! Have a 'Can do' attitude and enjoy the new experience. It will be daunting at first but with the support of your fellow trainee engineers you will get through it together. You will also make new friends who will help you if your struggling and you will surprise yourself what you are capable of achieving.