Telecoms Field Operative Review

When i joined openreach i was bought on and trained up to be a cabler. This involves pulling new cables into the ground like fibre cables. I still use this skill every day as i am out rodding and roping underground ducts and pulling in new cables. I also survey new sites for fibre with my colleagues which then will eventually have the fibre cables pulled in.

yes i have. Since joining i have learnt much more about cabling. This was because my initial months were spent with a heavy cabler with their heavy cabling lorry. He has years of experience under his belt and has passed down lots of knowledge to me which helps me in my day to day duties. Since joining i have also started to learn surveying and splicing which are key in my progression

what i enjoy most about my programme is that it is very hands on and you learn a lot on the job. Every day is a learning day for me because there is so much opportunity given to me by the company. On the academic side as well there is chance to discuss how i am getting on with work too

My programme is quite structured. When i joined i was given dates for initial training which allowed me to plan and relax because i know when and where im going. I have days planned throughout the year to dedicate time to my academic side of the programme. This allows me to plan my work around doing my job which helps a bunch. The days are also somewhat flexible if need be

From my employer i recive lots of tools for supporting me. For example they have places to go if you are struggling with mental health and another big on is physio. Because i am a cabler, it can be hard work and knowing that if anything ever happened i could get support like physiotherapy through the company to keep me healthy. Everyone is very serious on helping others in this company

I believe that i receive enough support from my training provider. Definitely on the set days that i have to work on the academic side i can have all the support i require and my tutour let me know that even outside of those days, if i feel i am struggling and i need help they are there to help put me in the right direction.

With my initial training when i joined as a cabler, it had definitely put my in the right area to start my career. Since then most of my skills i have learnt out in the field with colleagues. My initial training is key though and without it i definitely wouldn't be able to do my job. As well as initial training i have more chances for extra training which will give me the skills i require for tasks like splicing

We recently started to have a weekly team trivia quiz which has helped our team to get to know each other and have a laugh. Also the company does allow you to do volunteering which is a great opportunity. Other than that though there is not much more extra curricular activities provided. I do not mind as because we are working as a team and mostly outside it feels very fun so the lack of activities does not effect me.

Yes

So far, my experience has been more than i ever expected. I have learnt so much in the time that i have been in the company and have been supported the whole way. I would like to be able to let my friends know that such an opportunity exists to them and that they too will most likely have as good of a time as i did.

I believe one key thing to show when applying is that you can work in a team. Especially in my area we are all working together to achieve a set goal and it helps that we all get a long but also don't be afraid to tell them examples of when you worked on your own because there are lots of times too that you have to motivate yourself to work as an individual. Show willingness to learn the trade too because it goes a long way. When you want to learn something it makes everything easier and better for you mentally