Trainee Telecoms Engineer Review

I am a Telecoms Engineer. I provide and maintain the Copper line infrastructure to people around the East Anglia. Jobs can range from providing fibre to the cabinet for customers, to running spans of dropwire from DPs to customer premises to locating faults across the network between the exchange and the customer premises.

Since I have started working for Openreach, I have learnt how climb poles safely, how to fault find across the copper network, I have learnt how to correctly assess the work I have been allocated and choose the suitable PPE and tools for the task in hand. I have further developed my customer service skills.

Being a mature Apprentice with many years behind me, it was quite humbling to have to start this programme. However; I understand the logic and reasoning behind it. Having already completed a 3 year Apprenticeship in the 1990s, I was unsure as to what to expect. What I enjoy about this is that everything we do is there to underpin the skills we learn on the job and I have met some great colleagues and made new friends.

This is the first time this particular programme has been run, previously it was an NVQ structure. This programme may feel a little intense at the start, however; as time is progressing it is all starting to fall in to place. We are given time off the tools to work on our portfolios and prepare for the professional discussion well in advance.

My employer has tailored this programme for the needs of the business. It is in their interest to ensure that we have the time and support given to complete it. Thankfully, we all the that opportunity to spend time on this. Which makes everything a whole lot more balanced in terms of on the tools/off the tools.

The training is in house, with an End Point Assessment Organising overseeing the final results. My facilitator and guidance tutor has been fantastic from day one. Especially given that we have to learn remotely. It does take away certain parts of the camaraderie when its online, but its a testament to the skill he has that keeps us engaged.

As previously explained. This course is tailored to the Openreach telecoms network. There is nothing else like it. It's in the businesses interest to train us accordingly so that we can do the job properly, safely and on time. I have learnt so much in such a short space of time. Its fantastic.

There is, however; the old lockdown on a national/global scale has hampered that. I have made new friends and have started developing good professional relationships across the work force. We are actively encouraged to volunteer and seeing as though I am ex forces, considering looking into the RNLI or a branch of the Territorial Army.

Yes

You'll be surprised to learn that I have been trying to get into this industry for 10/15 years on and off. The job is so varied, there are so many areas to the business that realistically the only thing stopping you doing a job you like at Openreach is yourself.

Do it! If you enjoy everyday being different, meeting people from all walks of like, if you like being outdoors and not stuck behind a desk 9-5. Absolutely go for it. The learning curve may seem quite steep but ultimately you get what you put in to it. Hands down, one of the best jobs I have ever had, and I'm 42 years old.