Engineer Review

I have now completed my training to become a fibre network engineer, which involves everything from putting in the cables in the ground to connecting these to the network in the fibre node. Each day is totally different and can include working in houses to being involved in a roadwork set up on main roads. Every day is different and often left working outdoors to get the job completed.

Being a fibre engineer was something totally new to me, having been a retail manager previously. I have learnt many new skills I wouldnt have ever believed I would have learnt and have become an important member of the team connecting people. The training given has been fantastic and has covered all areas and enabled me to complete the job to a high standard.

The last year has been brilliant, each workshop has been different and has covered different areas. The support has been brilliant and when issues came up which I needed a little more support with this was always given fully. The support and content made the whole course an utterly enjoyable experience.

The structure was as first a little hard to get around as Covid came in and meant changes had to be made which made things a little more difficult. However the workshops soon went online and once we all got used to the new way of working was even better than it was before.

Openreach were brilliant with helping me to make sure I completed the course. Days off were always arranged which I used as study days and if any extra support was needed this was always given without argument. Brilliant support from management to make sure we achieved what we needed to in the time frame.

Openreach couldnt have done much more. Days off and time away to get course work completed was always given and management fully understood the position I was in so always offered the right support. Was really good that everyone made me feel welcome and helped me achieved the course to make sure I passed.

Some of the work we covered is needed on a daily basis, like all the health and safety aspects of what was covered. However some of the other bits could have been improved like there was a lot on the course to make sure I was fully computer literate which didnt need to be covered as much.

As it stands at the moment I havnt involved myself in any of these however there are groups which are open to join. However i believed as I had just joined the company in a new area to which I have never done before I wanted to focus on making sure I learnt all aspects of my day job before putting myself forward to other activities.

Yes

Openreach is a company which cares about all who are employed and we are treated as people and not just a number. Management treat everyone as grown ups and allow you to complete the work without being untrusted to. Everyday at work is different and can vary hugely from one day to the next.

The only advice I could give anyone wanting to apply would be to go ahead and apply and to be yourself. Openreach are a modern company who want people to be themselves and treat everyone fairly and equally. If you like a job which is always different and you always need to learn new skills, this is the job.