Telecommunications Engineer Review

My role involves the provision and repair of telephone and internet lines for both residential and business customers, working with several communication providers to ensure a smooth delivery of service. My main role involves the repair of the existing copper network to ensure it runs smoothly and to the best quality.

Since starting with Openreach I have learned a great deal, including building on existing skills such as time management and organisational skills. I have also learned new skills related directly to the job role. Operating the various tools and equipment required to safely and efficiently complete my jobs to the best standard.

I enjoyed the apprenticeship very much during the programme. I felt the support received by my apprenticeship assessor was exceptional and it made me feel at ease when working. I never felt pressured or worried that I would have to complete the various bits of work in my own time

The programme was very well organised, especially given the unusual circumstances caused by the COVID pandemic. We were always given plenty of notice of any changes and numerous emails explaining plans for different sessions. It was slightly more difficult given the virtual learning environment to not be able to interact face to face.

I received a lot of support from Openreach during the apprenticeship programme both from the apprenticeship assessor and my team members both fellow engineers and management. Whenever I needed something I had no trouble getting help from my colleagues in a reasonable amount of time. I am very impressed with the support.

I received a tremendous amount of support from my apprenticeship assessor, both with the programme itself and with some personal issues encountered during the initial months of my employment with Openreach. I am very impressed with his punctuality of his replies and his availability when I needed to speak with him.

I feel the topics covered during the apprenticeship programme weren’t very relevant to the job role. A lot of the topics were related to IT management and organisation which isn’t particularly relevant to an engineering role. The practical topics were related to the job role but contained a lot of information already known to us as trainees.

At the moment there aren’t many extra curricular activities due to the ongoing COVID pandemic limiting social interaction. My team is currently attempting to organise a five a side football team for weekly matches for team bonding outside of work. Once the pandemic has lessened I expect more activities to be available.

Yes

The company is excellent to work for and the training opportunities are abundant and varied. The support given by the apprenticeship team and my colleagues on the engineering team has been incredible. I have always felt that I could reach out for support and assistance when I needed it on a job or with training.

I would strongly recommend anyone who joins the company to utilise the support that is available with any issues. Don’t feel like you are being troublesome or annoying. The team is there to help you and are always more that happy to give you advice, tips and tricks to make your job easier.