Network Engineer Review

My role in openreach is a service engineer that conducts a number a different tasks throughout the day. This can be anything from installing new phone / broadband to customers to repairs in the network that has caused issue to our customers. I could be doing anything between 1 - 6 jobs per day

Yes, I have so far learnt many new skills and understanding in the telecoms industry. I came from sales backround with no engineering experience and Openreach has put me through alot of training and has helped me to develop into an engineer. The team around me have been excellent and very supportive.

I'm enjoying all of it! From day to day in the field which can be very tough understanding what you need to do but I do like the challenge (sometimes). The NVQ has been great learning new skills and a good refresher of old skills not been used for many years. In all honesty, it will be sad when the NVQ has been completed

In truth, my programme did not start very well but COVID and lockdown probably had a big part to play. I was allocated an assessor that didn't communicate with me, the 2nd was the same, then the 3rd person (Julie) has been terrific! Once Julie took over, everything started to fall into place with great relief from me.

My direct Manager has been very supportive and has always asked how things are going. Being a manager of engineers, I understand that there is not much he can do to help but (Adam) has always offered to help in any way he can to help me get through the course.

Superb support, Julie has been amazing in helping me understand what is needed and has always come back to me very quickly if I needed help with anything. The only issue I have had is the programme I was on with Smart Assessor was the wrong one so I have to input everything into the system again.

The main thing that has been very helpful with the NVQ is that it's like a refresher course from the initial training. From week 1 you are bombarding with information and you come out at week 12 forgetting half of it so when you then get into the NVQ work, it gives you a better understanding of the network.

This is a bit unfair question to ask because I joined in June 2020 in the middle of lockdown so there were no social activities going on but I would love to join the Openreach football team if there is one going when things start to improve and Openreach can start these up again.

Yes

I have already recommended Openreach to a friend because I think the starting salary for an apprentice is very good and you are part of a large future proof company. I do sometimes feel like a number (613288680) rather than a person as everything is UIN orientated, so it would be nice if this could change at local levels

Be yourself, research the company first to make sure you like what they do and if this is something you can see yourself doing. Get an understanding of the network through the web to help you when going through the interview process. Don't be shy, talk to other people