Fibre Engineer Review

Our roles vary over the course of the apprenticeship. Over the course of the apprenticeship, we rotate between different teams every 6-9 months. The aim of this is to give us a wide perspective of what goes on in our area. I'm currently on my first rotation in Quality Assurance, I have been performing software testing and learning about the different stages of the software testing lifecycle, getting involved where I can.

Within last twelve months, I learnt a lot with openreach. Installation, working on faults, fibre provision, broadband faults and the UG skills, all these skills are gained during this duration. Best bit is the training and then buddying. What you learn in the classroom, you implement in the supervision of the buddy / experienced engineer, this makes the learning more fruitful.

I enjoy the practical much more than the theory work. Practical is hands on that's where I believe you truly learn how to do your job, whereas theory seems like a lot of corporate stuff that you don't really use that often in day to day life unfortunately.

I personally believe that the programme itself is very well structured and organised, so that I am always aware of what is happening and what I need to be doing. We have monthly meetings with our Apprenticeship coach so that we know exactly how we are getting on and have a chance to raise any concerns.

There was plenty of support from day one and there is still support available now. The first few months the were trainers hands on and a phone call away if we needed any help or had any questions. When I went live I also had ample support when and as I needed it.

I receive endless support from my provider. This has helped me from the beginning which is reassuring, especially when you're new to business. I don't often have to ask for help but I know that help is there as and when I need it. I couldn't personally ask for it to be any different

I don't think that the programme really helps me to perform better when doing my daily tasks. I would say that the programme helps to refresh your memory of exactly what's needed and expected from each of us in our daily roles but not significantly. It's been useful.

There are lots of events to get involved in on site. There are sporting events and competitions. There are charity events to get involved in or even the chance to organise your own charity events. There are lots of schools events to get involved in to help promote stem subjects.

Yes

The overall benefits of working here are amazing. The company looks after its employees and will help you achieve what you desire. There are also many avenues that you would be able to take and would be able to go from one corner of the business to another. This is also one of the biggest and best companies to work for in this area and possibly the country

The application process can be hard. Focus on team working skills and your drive to want to improve and learn. Furthermore, attend one of the work experience days so you can pick the correct area you want to work in as they are quite different and each have different skills to learn.