Apprentice - Spine Planning Review

Designing and planning of the fibre spine network in accordance with network policy for all programmes. Resolve any fibre network issues that are identified by the field. Calculate estimated plan and build costs before obtaining financial approval to proceed. Resolve problems; capacity challenges, overhead or complex civils solutions. Using multiple bespoke systems to achieve this. Liaising daily with internal and external stakeholders to successfully delivery for our customers.

I am a former Service Delivery Engineer and worked on the Copper network repairs and installations, I have now come across to the planning side mainly dealing with fibre optics and supporting Openreach's expansive Full Fibre Build Network programme in the UK. I have learnt over the past 8 weeks lots of information on Underground work, Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) and cabling works, this will then be consolidated when trained in bespoke planning tools to support FTTP programmes in the office environment. I am utilising my previous knowledge of the network to help bolster new skills.

I am currently on week 10 of the 18 months apprenticeship, and I am really enjoying it. My Line Managers and learning staff work hard to ensure that all things go smoothly despite Covid-19 measures and restrictions being in place the learning pathway is well organised despite being the first block of this type of apprenticeship.

Continuing on from previous comment, the programme is well organised and structured with a good blend of practical, classroom and Microsoft Teams online instruction. there is also good e-learning courses to complete, there is a weekly catch up Teams meeting for those out in the field and this is a good time to report on progress. Time is also set aside when in the field for NVQ learning at home.

The support I get has previously mentioned is second to done with regular catch up calls and support if and when required, training is planned well in advance and despite covid-19 measures is delivered either through teams or in strict covid controlled classroom where e-learning/remote learning not possible.

The support from ALS is at the right level they give you clear instructions on what is required and if support s required the assessor is there to provide it an give constructive feedback when a outcome is summitted. Also we have regular catch up days over teams which is good to advise on progress.

The NVQ level III, helps me a update on my experiences gained over time and allows me to conduct more research into my role and expand on my current knowledge and learn more about the internal systems and ethics involved in the company it also gave me a good insight into the ethics of the company.

Due to the Corona Virus much have that as been put on hold, put we have conducted network events and the learning provider provided a good extra module on learning Welsh which was welcomed and very good to catch up on being a semi Welsh Speaker. It will be good after the pandemic if some social activities could occur.

Yes

The Company are excellent to work for the are supportive to your needs and there is a good training framework in place which is clear and achievable. The Line Managers are pro-active to your needs and health and Safety is paramount at all times whether working from home or in the field. There are also lots of benefits for working for Openreach i.e. Free/subsidised broadband, TV and mobile telephone, excellent pension scheme, share schemes and much more.

Go for it they are well established telecommunications company and ever expanding as the desire for a faster network develops and Openreach are at the forefront of this full fibre network build. There are lots of job roles to suit everyone's ability whether it be Trainee Engineer, Civil Engineer or Customer Support. You require no qualifications for the majority of the roles and the training given is second to done. The application process is smooth and undaunting and the rewards are excellent!