Openreach has announced it is creating around 500 more Scottish jobs during 2022, of which 65 will be across Ayrshire.
Of these positions, which entail building and connecting customers to ultrafast full fibre broadband, around 390 will be apprenticeships.
The new roles, which offer a competitive starting salary and long-term career prospects, don’t require any formal qualifications.
Openreach is on track to reach 25 million UK homes and businesses by December 2026 and has already reached more than half a million properties in Scotland.
With a workforce of 3,700 across Scotland, Openreach already employs the nation’s largest team of telecoms engineers and professionals and has committed to building a more diverse and inclusive team in an industry that’s traditionally been very white, male dominated.
Last year, 17% of the company’s intake of trainee engineers in Scotland was female, more than triple the previous year.
Openreach CEO Clive Selley said:
“We want to reflect the communities we serve and give opportunities to people from all backgrounds, so I’m encouraged that we’ve recruited more women and minority groups this year compared to last year, but we’ve got much more to do in an industry that hasn’t been very diverse historically.
“These new recruits will play a crucial role as we continue to improve services for our customers and build the biggest and best broadband network in Scotland.”
Kenneth Gibson MSP said:
“It’s great to see the creation of 65 jobs, and potentially even long term careers, in Ayrshire and I encourage everyone with a driving licence and a strong work ethic to apply for it. It could be life changing.
“Women are encouraged to apply. There is no reason you can’t be a female engineer and it would be great to continue the trend of increasing the number of women in tech.
“In addition, apprenticeships are a great way for all employers to continue to invest in their workforce, providing core skills the economy needs now and in the future. This is also central to the SNP Government’s immediate priority to lead the country through the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic into a recovery that protects and creates jobs and backs our young people.”
Apply to be an Openreach Trainee Engineer here.
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