OPENREACH today unveiled plans to hire more than 450 trainee engineers across the south as part of a huge recruitment drive.
The new roles being created in Hampshire and six other counties will help Britain’s biggest team of telecoms experts expand and upgrade the company’s national broadband network.
Trainees will be recruited mainly to deliver the Fibre First programme, which is bringing faster and more reliable technology to millions of properties.
Under the proposals Openreach will hire 93 young engineers in Hampshire.
Clive Selley, the company’s chief executive, said: “Openreach is determined to build full fibre as quickly as possible to ensure the country has a reliable broadband network capable of supporting data-hungry services and applications essential for boosting productivity.
“We’re making great progress towards our target of upgrading three million homes and businesses to full fibre by the end of next year.
“Our new apprentices will enable us to fulfil our commitments, with an ultimate ambition to deliver the best possible connectivity to everyone across the entire country.”
The national recruitment drive has been praised by a government minister.
Speaking at the opening of an Openreach training school Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd said: “This is a huge expansion in high skilled, well paying jobs across the UK and yet another demonstration of the jobs success we have seen since 2010.
“Behind every employment number is a person whose self-esteem, mental wellbeing and life chances are all vastly improved by being in the workplace.
“Apprenticeships can help create opportunities for women in what are traditionally, male-dominated industries.
“Last year a record number of women moved into work, something reflected in Openreach’s record of hiring more female staff than ever before.”
Regional director David Jordan added: “We want people from all walks of life to apply for roles at Openreach, to build a diverse workforce that reflects the hugely diverse communities we serve.
“Last year we recruited more women than ever before and this year we want to go even further.”
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