Trainee Engineer Review

My role is to install and maintain the telecoms network, I have been put on as a cabling engineer which means I am mainly responsible for cabling activities. This includes installing new cables, at the moment I am part of a fibre build, so will be blowing fibre through subducts as well as the usual method. I have also been test rodding and roping- looking for blockages in ducts where the cable will be blown through and other potential problems that may arise when doing the fibre build.

I have learned lots of new skills, I have done a Signing, Lighting and Guarding course which has taught me the correct way to put put traffic management on roads and also how to work safely when working on footpaths. I have learned several cabling techniques on a Cabling Light course, and have had training to develop my customer service skills, and learn about correctly disposing of the waste created in my job role.

I am thoroughly enjoying my apprenticeship, I am learning lots of new skills and have the opportunity to take part in lots of extra training. I am enjoying being in the field and being part of building the fibre network. I am excited to get on a complete the course over the next few months.

The program is well structured, it is clear what is expected of me and I know what I need to do to complete the course. It is organised and I know what will be covered in each of the workshops over the period of the program, I'm looking forward to starting putting together case studies and preparing for the end point assessments.

My employer is very supportive, there are lots of contact for people who I can go to for support. My team is supportive in allowing me to take part and getting photographs for my case studies and there is opportunity for extra training in fibre jointing and overhead cabling techniques.

There is a lot of online support from the training provider, where resources and information on the course can be found. From the beginning there has been support from the provider and it is clear what they expect from me and what I can expect from them. The process so far has been simple and not overbearing.

The qualification helps me to better understand the telecoms network better, and helps me to think more about the work I am doing. The case studies help to consolidate knowledge from training and give me opportunity to walk through the stages of a process, ensuring things are done properly and safely to a high standard. This helps prepare me to work at a high standard throughout my work.

There are plenty of extra-curricular activities to be involved in, within Openreach there are several societies and community groups which are available to join, including specifically for trainee engineers. Though this is mostly online currently due to Covid, lots of support and encouragement can be sought to support in gaining the qualification.

Yes

Openreach is a fantastic company to work for, they really look after staff and create a supportive workplace. Lots of training and development opportunities are available within Openreach and plenty of scope for progression. The pay is also very good, even for trainee engineers, and this goes up a lot after the training is complete.

I would advise anyone applying to work for Openreach to thoroughly research the company and the job role. There are different paths you can take as a trainee engineer, in service delivery, cabling and different fibre roles. A lot of the application process revolves around customer service and problem solving, so experience and examples of showing this are essential.