Fibre Jointer Review

Connecting customers from the exchange to their premise, through fibre cables and joints, all the way to the CSP at the house with the ONT on the internal. Using our splicing machine to connect the cables together in the nodes in the boxes so that we can connect the customer to their broadband.

Yes, I have learnt loads of new skills in this apprenticeship so far. We had the initial 3 months training in Croydon from september to December where we done the majority of our training in a training centre. We learnt how to lift covers, gas test, climb poles TETRA trained, and learnt how to introduce cables and splice them through using our tools and splice machine.

I enjoy my programme a lot more now I am not in Croydon, as the centre was a bit run down but the courses were fun. But now I am out in the field it's a lot more on the job training and learning to deal with problems in the real world, rather than set scenarios.

Well, when I was in Croydon the whole structure and organisation was pretty bad. Compared to other training centres, which our colleagues said they really enjoyed and like, Croydon was very low on the spectrum of quality and organisation. Some of the trainers were awful, but the courses were good just would have been better in a different area.

Now we have moved over to our new manager after training for our area, we get a large amount of support. Couldn't fault our support in anyway, if we encounter a problem or issue we can just ring up our manager and it's sorted as soon as possible.

As I have only just started my NVQ, I can't comment massively on this. But the support that we have had so far is a large amount, fast replies on the drafted work we submit with improvements and steps to do in order to complete to a great standard.

Learning on the job allows us to see the basic method of being able to pull cables in, to connect them in order to build the new fibre network. However when learning our qualification, it allows us to understand the technical aspect of the job which then we can fully understand every aspect of the job we have and are able to overcome any technical issues the job may have.

We use an application on our work phones called 'Workplace', which I haven't had much chance to look into as I have other things to be focusing on. However there is many different groups in there that you can join, e.g. military groups, so I'm sure there is different activities organised within them groups.

Yes

For my age, an apprenticeship is a perfect opportunity to gain a qualification whilst learning on the job and getting experience in the field that you want to work in. Out of all the apprenticeships I looked at, this is by far the best opportunity, with good money for an apprenticeship, and also good progression and experience.

I would say, definitely apply. It is worth it, and the knowledge you gain from it and the experience and memories so far are amazing. I have really enjoyed my time so far and am looking at ways I can progress within the company to further my career, and I'm only 21. It doesn't matter about your age, gender, ethnicity, ability etc. Just apply they take on anyone, if you are right for the job.