Trainee Engineer Review

My role involves building a new fibre network for fibre to the premises; this involves interpreting plans and network records, rodding and roping ducts where necessary, installing metalwork and finally installing the fibre and feeds, ensuring that the build quality is good and that any future engineers visit to my work will not result in damage.

I have learnt many new skills in relation to building the network, with installing new cables, identifying the different parts of the network as well as learning on new machinery and tools. I have also developed my existing skills particularly in regards to reading plans and building things to a specification set.

I am greatly enjoying the programme, with the combination of actually being part of the work team and getting involved in the day to day work building the new fibre network to having a number of days off the job to consolidate what I have seen and to build my portfolio to demonstrate my competence.

The programme is very well organised with a very clear structure of what is happening and what it is leading to. Everything is well presented and gives clear and concise information that is relevant to the apprenticeship and instantly applicable. The initial training was very good and comprehensive, my tutor is excellent and gives me what I need to complete the programme.

I receive all the support I need at the moment from my employer, my manager has agreed to a number of off the job days in which to complete the programme, my team are very supportive and happy to let me complete aspects of the programme as they are keen to have me fully part of the team.

My training provider is part of the company that I work for and so is extremely supportive in helping me to achieve my qualification. I find that my tutor is very approachable, supportive and gives clear information to guide me through any issues that may arise in completing the programme.

Whilst I enjoy the apprenticeship and have learnt a great deal through the qualification, it is nothing in comparison to how I have learnt actually on the job in the team completing the day to day work tasks assigned to me. The programme itself doesn't directly help me now as much in my day to day role but by managing my time and progressing towards completion will greatly benefit me in the future of meeting deadlines and time management

Currently due to the COVID pandemic, there are limited activities available in this area and certainly no social or professional networking events. However I have been privileged to have been working in a team and so have had plenty of interaction with my team, equally with the restrictions looking to be lifted I will look out for future events.

Yes

Openreach is a great company to work for; not only do I have the security of working in a large company with plenty of work, it also has plenty of resources to make sure that I am provided with all the correct equipment to work, whether that be PPE or the right tools. Furthermore being enrolled into their apprenticeship programme has meant lots of support from various different areas of the company.

Whilst the interviews, assessment days and application process is daunting, if you are certain that Openreach is where you should be then all of these elements are just a way of bringing your skills and experiences to the forefront so that they can be demonstrated. Overall I have had a very positive experience from start to finish with Openreach and would recommend anyone to come and work here.