Budding telecoms engineers aged 16 or over will be able to apply online from early in the New Year, with successful applicants starting their apprenticeships in Summer 2007. BT’s apprenticeship programme, key elements of which were recently recognised as “outstanding” by the Adult Learning Inspectorate, will offer new entrants the chance to “earn while they learn” in one of the UK’s leading blue-chip companies.
The 400 available posts will be spread across England, Scotland and Wales. Details of locations, job roles and the required entry qualifications will be made available on BT’s application website early in the New Year. Applications will be open until the end of May 2007.
Dave Walsh, head of apprenticeships for Openreach said: “The scheme provides opportunities for apprentices to build valuable life skills, academic qualifications and NVQ work experience whilst forging a career in the rapidly evolving communications industry. This presents a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in a career in telecommunications.”
As part of Openreach’s Open2All campaign, particular emphasis will be placed on encouraging women to apply for technical roles that are often perceived as being male-dominated. Applications will also be encouraged from a full range of ethnic backgrounds which reflect the local communities.
The Openreach recruitment drive constitutes the main part of a projected intake of around 600 apprentices by BT in the forthcoming year.