Telecommunications Engineer Review

As an external underground cabling engineer it is my job to use provided job packs/details to prepare, rod and rope and install fibre cables from location to location. This involves going underground checking duct routes as well as reacting to any situation that may occur e.g. blaickages/de-silt/incorrect duct plans.

I have learned many new skills throughout my time at openreach going through my apprenticeship. I have learnt the legislation and the do’s and dont’s to be vigilant of whilst using online systems and programmes. How to read and act upon documentation i have been given to implement in the field.

I enjoyed the programme, with some of the information throughout my NVQ documents I have been able to use it to help my job role in the field, although there were a few units/documents that I did not enjoy as they were just go online find a piece of information and copy it in and some information felt completely unrelated to the job role i am in.

I believe it was well structured as we were given 10 NVQ days throughout the first year where we were on a Skype call with the assessor all day and worked through an individual unit per study day. Our assessor set out the units in such a way that It was easily understandable and straight forward to complete.

I receive a large amount to help and support from Openreach through assistance of my direct line manager, patch leads and other senior engineers. There is not an issue I have had so far that had not been sorted/guided me in the right direction to complete my designated tasks.

I received a large amount of help and support from the training provider whilst obtaining my qualification. My assessor was there on email daily if ever I had an issue. He would call me regularly to check I was ok and understanding to work load in each individual unit as well as clearly talking us through units in real time.

My qualifications through the training provider has helped me perform better in my role in some aspects. More so having to use the laptop and Openreach’s internal systems on a daily basis. The training has helped me to understand the potential risks associated with the transference of data/information.

Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic that struck in 2020 unfortunately there have not been many extracurricular activities. As lockdowns are starting to ease I have been involved in the company inclusion allies programme as well as putting my name forward to get involved in the Openreach rugby team, which is working UK wide.

Yes

I have had many jobs in my life, working at Openreach is the first I’ve had where I’ve felt comfortable with the work life balance that I’d not previously had, the working hours are great and management are top class. Everything is provided for you by the company so you never really have to worry.

Go in with confidence even if you are totally out of your comfort zone. I had no experience in telecommunications but I have settled in really fast and got to grips with the work and practices pretty quickly. You’ll meet new people, encounter new experiences and learn a lot. This is a job for life If you make it.