Engineer Review

It is my role as a Fibre Network Delivery Cabling Engineer to install various cables underground using appropriate techniques. The cables used and locations vary day to day, from covering large distances and blowing in fibre cables, to hand pulling small distances in new build sites or retro build sites.

Yes I have learnt new skills, as this job was completely new to me. My previous jobs were completely different to what I do now, so there was definitely a learning curve coming into Openreach. I have learnt new things such as different cabling techniques and how to safely set up road works guarding.

The programme was okay, however I felt that a lot of the units were unnecessary and long, with little relevance to my actual role or job within Openreach. It felt like a lot of questions were repetitive just for the sake of filling a document. However, my assessors were extremely helpful during.

My NVQ was well organised, with set work dates to complete the documents with help from our assessors. We also had regular team calls to catch up to check on our progress and generally chat on our well being inside and outside of work. So I can say yes, it was well organised.

I receive plenty of support from my management and team mates here at Openreach. Not once have I felt alone or lost, if I’ve had an issue I have always felt that there is someone that I can turn to and talk to for advice and guidance, whether it’s been my manager or team member.

I received plenty of support from both my assessors. They were extremely helpful in providing assistance and guidance when I was working through my NVQ. I was regularly in contact with them outside of our scheduled work days when I needed some help when working on my documents.

I genuinely feel that the NVQ I completed did absolutely nothing in helping me towards my role, as nothing in it was related to my role as a cabling engineer. Sure, maybe exploring the HR homepage was helpful, but I’ve not needed it since. It just felt like a hoop to jump through to get a pay rise.

With current times around Covid, anything outside of work has been understandably limited. However, within our team, now that the restrictions are easing, we have been meeting up to play football weekly. This is good as it allows to interact outside of work in a much more chilled and relaxing environment.

Yes

I would highly recommend Openreach to a friend or family. I personally feel that the work life balance is great with a reasonable wage in comparison to previous jobs I’ve been in. So far I haven’t experienced any real pressure from management above, they trust you to complete your task without standing over your shoulder.

Get used to the cold and wet, because for me that’s been the biggest shock!. But all jokes aside, see the bigger picture. People probably see the lower wage and year long NVQ and might be put off, as I initially was. However, now I’ve done it, it really wasn’t that bad and now I’m on a wage I’m happy with, working decent hours and overall much happier than I’ve been in previous jobs.