Trainee Engineer/Fibre Jointer Review

My overall job is a "Fibre Jointer". This role involves me building a new fibre network. This network is the future of the UK and will enable customers to receive high speed broadband directly to their premises. On a standard day I will be given a job which I receive through my work phone. This job will contain where the job is, what is required and what equipment is required. I will then go out to the required area and make sure everything is correct and start building the network.

I have learnt many new skills in this role. To list a few. I have learnt how to erect and climb ladders safely, and transition from ladders to a telegraph pole and climb the pole safely with my climbing harness. I have learnt how to lift box lids (Lids that you find on the footpath) and to check if the box contains any harmful gases. I have also learnt how to splice fibres together using a splicing machine.

I have had many different jobs all with various different programmes of training and hands down this is by far the best training out there!!!! The support you receive from the trainers to your manager and team is amazing, it feels like a big family. Everyday is different and you are always learning new skills.

The initial start of the programme was a little disrupted, it was just teething problems as it was new to the business. The part of the business I went to we were among the first in the country to go through this training. Once the initial week was done it settled and things were on track. The NVQ side went really smooth and my assessor was always there to help me if needed which allowed me to complete my NVQ with 111 days spare!

I receive so much support in many different forms. I have the support of my manager who will send me safety emails, phone calls to see if I'm ok and also 1 2 1's. I also receive emails from Openreach which is called "the loop". This is like a weekly news letter with important information and safety information.

The support I received was amazing. From the very start my NVQ assessor set the agenda. He explained that we have 10 days through the year to complete the NVQ ( These days are in work time you can always do it at home if you like). If I ever needed support he was only ever a phone call or email away and considering how many people he was supporting he always got back to me. This support allowed me to complete the NVQ ahead with 2 spare NVQ days left and 111 days spare of my first year

The training really helps and the qualification. These have given me a really good understating of how BT and Openreach operate and what their goals are and what is expected of me as an engineer. The training has given me confidence to go out into the field and build a network. Something I thought that I may struggle with.

There are many opportunities to get involved with at work. I have done a few already. I attended a event in Norwich for apprentices it was at a place called Adastral Park this is the hub of where all new tech is developed. I had to apply to get a spot and I did. You get to meet other apprentices from around the country plus you get to meet other managers within the business. This was a great place to network and get a better understanding of all the other sides of the business

Yes

I would recommend Openreach because its GREAT! If you want a career and not just a job this is the place. If you want to get qualifications this is the place. If you want to be challenged everyday this is the place. Do you want a rewarding career this is the place. If you answered yes to all or one of them apply! Honestly this is a great place to work and I can see myself staying here to retirement, I've never been able to say that before

Be Honest with your abilities in the interview process, they don't expect you to be an amazing engineer from day one. Be prepared for all types of weather. Have lots of enthusiasm, want to make a difference and a willing to learn. Just be yourself and be confident you can do if you want to do it.