Telecommunications engineer Review

My role is a FND Ethernet cabling engineer which basically involves interpreting job packs and installing fibre cables in the ground from a node to a customer ready for the jointers to connect it. The Ethernet team work on direct fibre routes so we often feed fibre to businesses who have paid a lot more for a direct fibre feed which means faster internet speeds.

With regards to my apprenticeship I have enhanced my IT skills and feel more proficient using outlook, Microsoft teams and excel and I have also learnt a lot regarding safeguarding, HR and where to go in the business if I have any queries/issues. With my job role, I have learnt how to do the job, how to use various equipment, the differences between copper and fibre and how complex it is.

I have just finished my apprenticeship now but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience learning new skills and felt it was a good step into the job being surrounded with fellow trainees. It has also provided me with an extra qualification and I felt supported by my NVQ assessor throughout the experience.

I think the programme structure is pretty achievable, manageable and properly integrated into your first year without feeling overwhelmed. For the first 3 months of my apprenticeship, I solely focused on training and buddying with other engineers to gain experience. Over the first year, alongside the NVQ, I have found my feet more. Of course COVID-19 hasn’t helped as many training courses have been cancelled but I felt that the programme recognised this.

Throughout my apprenticeship I have felt well supported by my manager and team and they have given me ample support, encouragement and patience to help me learn how to do the job safely. I think it has helped that in my job role, I primarily work in a team as I feel like it may be more difficult if I came in as a service delivery engineer.

Throughout my apprenticeship I have had regular sessions with my NVQ assessor to ensure I complete my portfolio on time and to a high standard. Due to COVID-19, all sessions have been remote but I have still felt supported and prepared and felt comfortable sitting my ICT key skills exam.

I think the whole process in getting the qualification helped me perform better in my role as it taught me where to look if I am ever stuck or need help. Also through the qualification, my ICT skills have improved which has made me feel more confident when sending emails and submitting A55’s as I know that I am turning out quality work.

At the minute due to COVID there are very few opportunities for extra curricular activities and I have yet to explore these as COVID restrictions were put in place a month after I joined the business. I know that there are opportunities to join the BCS, IET and ITP to liaise with other like minded people on our sector.

Yes

The job has given me a lot of confidence. I was a bit hesitant joining a male dominated industry but the job is inclusive regardless of your gender and I feel just as accepted as my male colleagues. The pay is decent, there are job progression opportunities and the company is nationwide so accessible to all regions of the UK.

I would say to go for it as long as you are physically capable as it can be quite a physically demanding job and it is also not ideal for anyone with a fear of heights as telegraph poles can be quite daunting. Don’t be afraid of what “society” deems as a male or female job, it’s fun to prove people wrong.