Apprentice Field Engineer Review

On a day to day basis my role involves installing and repairing fibre broadband at the end users property. This involves working with the customer so that they best understand the processes involved in this, as well as working with other colleagues and outside contractors to ensure that every install is complete.

Through this job role I have learnt a range of new skills, as well as developing some already existing skills. The new skills I have learnt are mostly practical skills involved with the job role, with the existing skills I have been developing being on the communication side of things with customers and colleagues.

I would say that I for the most part enjoy my apprenticeship. For sure the practical part of learning the trade and improving your skills while on the job is something I enjoy thoroughly. The written side of things with the NVQ we have to complete is not as enjoyable but is part of the process.

The programme I am involved in I would say is fairly well structured. Our training at the training school was well structured at the beginning with a clear plan on where we would be after 12 weeks. The same structure now filters down through our development, in particular the NVQ.

All the support required is there if/when we need it. I am never stuck with support for any aspect of the job, whether this be issues on the job, with my training and development, or with the NVQ work we are working on at that time. All support necessary is available.

The support available to us from our training provider is more than we will ever need. There are regular updates from them as far as news surrounding our qualification, or any issues they may have encountered with other groups. We also get one day a month face to face with our training provider to ensure we are on track.

Personally, so far with] the qualification I feel like it actually has little relevance to the work that I be carrying out in my job role on a day to day basis. It can be helpful with certain aspects of the job but this far I find it to be fairly irrelevant.

Currently the extra-curricular activities to get involved in at work are limited due to covid and the rules and regulations surrounding gathering groups of people from different households. Although as a team we have already discussed several extra-curricular activities for when we are able to do so, without restrictions on groups.

Yes

I would highly recommend Openreach to a friend for a role as a Field Engineer as all the parts to this role come together to make it a mostly enjoyable and challenging job with different challenges faced everyday. The job offers something for everyone, whether you enjoy the practical side of things, dealing with customers or working with colleagues.

The only tips I would give to others applying to Openreach is to, number one, be yourself when conducting and video interviews or taking recordings of your answers to their initial questions, and number two, at assessment and interview stage, ask questions and show an interest to understand the role you have applied for and what this may entail.