Trainee Engineer Review

My role is to install, maintain and repair the Openreach telecommunications network to provide new services and make sure current services are correctly working to ensure the best service possible for residential and business customers to communicate with people and other businesses via telephone and internet connections locally, nationally and globally.

I have learnt many new skills by joining Openreach. I was unaware of how phone and internet services were provided through the telecoms network, and the processes of maintaining existing lines as well as providing new lines before joining Openreach. It has also given me the opportunity to work in a customer facing role which I am used to and helped develop communication and teamwork skills

I enjoy the programme because each day I am travelling to different customers and dealing with a variety of issues they are facing. It allows me to take ownership of a task and document what I have done personally to repair the fault and leave the customer happy they have the services they expect/require

I believe it is well structured. I completed 13 weeks mandatory training before my assessor set up my first session with him which I believe was good because it allowed me to focus on that training and then the next step was to use that new knowledge to start the portfolio of my programme

I am well supported by my employer. My apprenticeship assessor is very well organised and supportive during our virtual sessions and is always happy to answer questions and queries between sessions. I am also supported by my area management, supervisors and other engineers throughout my working day so never feel under too much stress or pressure.

I had completed training courses before I was put into the field and work on live tasks. This included time spent with another engineer to coach me through what I had learnt at the training school and utilise my new knowledge and skills. I also have apprenticeship workshop sessions regularly to support me through the build up of my portfolio and how to successfully complete this to the correct standard.

It allows me to create a portfolio that can include evidence of me carrying out my daily tasks and incorporate feedback and learning to show my understanding of the role and the processes of the company to ensure I am successful in my expectations and the work I complete on behalf of the various communications providers.

The company has a volunteering website which allows employees to search and apply for various volunteering positions with many different organisations around the country. The company offers a minimum of 3 days to allow an employee to undertake volunteering activities depending on the area/industry that the position is involved in.

Yes

I have enjoyed my time so far with Openreach, and received a well organised start with my training schedule. I have also joined a team in which I am constantly supported by my fellow engineers, Patch Leads and manager. The role allows me to work in a variety of different scenarios and has enabled me to learn new skills and knowledge, and develop my team work and customer service from previous employments.

To be open minded and take in all the support and information presented to you. Although the real world conditions are different to that of the training school, reaching out to those around you will decrease the risk of feeling stress/ pressure on yourself and develop your self confidence in knowing you are doing the right thing.