Trainee Engineer Review

My role involves building the fibre infrastructure in new build sites. Connecting the new customers to the new infrastructure by installing either blown fibre tubing from a manifold, and then blowing the fibre to the customer from the splitter, or by using connectorised means. This is a plug in form of connecting, with a splice at the customer & internal equipment fit.

I had existing skills from when I did fibre work in the 1990s. Times change however and new skills have been gained from my training and on site experience. Equipment has changed over the years and so has the need for new skills. My previous skills have been enhanced since I joined Openreach.

My program is extremely enjoyable. This is made possible by the excellent training I have received, the team I am working with, my manager and the work given to me. Days are set aside to do NVQ work where help is available from others and my assessor. These days include doing functional skills to enhance my learning.

I feel the structure is very well organised. A lot of thought has gone into the program. There are 3000 engineers a year on the program for the past 2 years, with the same recruiting process planned for this year too. It’s made to be enjoyable and is run at a steady pace.

The support I receive is absolutely brilliant. I can contact a number of people who can answer questions, give advice and guide me where required. My manager is always on hand to look at my training to date and lead me along the areas I need to get more involved in.

My training provider gives so much support through various avenues. As mentioned previously, I get days each month, to attend NVQ sessions, where I have an Assessor on hand to give help and advice. There is also a training manager who oversees all elements of my program and progression towards my qualification.

The qualification is a must in my role as it gives a fuller understanding of what is required of me. It helps in day to day applications and problem solving. It is also giving me the knowledge of the companies policies & safeguarding its information. The qualification will enable me to progress further within the company.

Some of the team live close enough to each other so as to allow them to socialise in a pub. We have a social networking group where we share information and have regular talks and debates on various subjects. Some of the team organise events for us to attend on a weekend, if we so desire to attend.

Yes

Openreach isn’t just a job, it’s a career, a lifestyle, an enjoyment. From day 1 you are treated as one of the team and welcomed with open arms. The job we do is enjoyable and there are schemes you can join to get discounts and offers. Openreach are a company who are going places and will always need engineers.

The advice I would give is to be open and honest about your experiences prior to joining. By this I mean don’t try to big up any experience you’ve had, you will gain the experience needed once you are successful. Be assertive without being cocky. Read about the company and ensure you know about the plans for the future., the current status and any press releases that have been made recently, regarding any of this.