trainee telecoms engineer Review

my role is a trainee fibre engineer for openreach which involves providing fibre broadband connections either overhead (working at height ) or via the underground network to give the customers of the internet providers the best service and to keep them connected to the internet via repair or first time installs

so since being on the apprenticship i have gained many new skills such as working at height - i have learnt how to safe set up ladders using tetra and the correct use of a harness and all the saftey checks that are required working in the underground network - how to set up guarding around a joint box to keep pedestrians safe and the correct use and procedure with the gas dectection unit

i enjoy the programme becasue it isnt just classroom based it is very much hands on and we are putting our new found skills to practice everyday and having to problem solve as everyday is different and so is every customer and there expectations on what the job entails and how they want it completed

the programme is well structed it is very fast paced at first and the training is ok not quite taught everything we need to know before going on to our buddying and going live on jobs on our own but have a good team around us but do get overloaded with jobs in the day so is quite a bit of pressure somedays

so far i have always felt like there is support either by a message from the manager but manly from the boots on the ground from either from our patch leads or my buddy always at the end of the phone but most of the time if you need help just a quick message in the group chat and a more experienced engineer will drop you a call

still early days but our tutor arranges days absences so we have video calls at the minute due to covid but no complaints answers any questions we have and guides us through the sessions and makes sure everyone in the group understands and evens lends a ear if we have some gripes

i think that is gives you a good base understanding of the job but you are always going to learn more on the job day in day out but the qualification helps to get you started on your way and allow you to do the job as been trained but as engineers your always learning no day is the same

there are no extra curricular activities available that i know of but that could be due to the pandemic but i generally busy anyway with my own hobbies either going to watch the football or pigeon racing which takes up all my time with having a young family aswell so dont think i will be looking for any extra

Yes

openreach is a good company too work once up to speed so far seems to be a good home work life balance which i was looking for as i said young family i didnt want to work all the hours god sent so i would definatly recommend opendreach and already have to a few people

i would tell them all the advice i think they would need a bit of working away at the start but nice to get a break from the family but just be prepared to put the work in research the job it is a long wait and make sure it is really what they want to do