bt assessment centre

Applied to openreach to become a engineer while ago. Woke up this morning to a email.saying I've been invited to attend assessment centre and was just wondering what goes on there what to expect etc. Any help is.much appreciated

You could ring the assessment centre.

They have not provided me yet with tel numbers etc

http://btplc.com/Careercentre/Ourlocations/UK/FastTr...

https://www.jobtestprep.co.uk/bt_assessment

Had none of that just a email asking if I would attened to there site in stafford. Wonder if process has changed

Those links are for graduates.

When they took me on, many moons ago, the local boss asked if I would stay for life, would I dig holes in the rain and what pubs did I drink in.

Nowadays I would advise making sure you know all about Openreach. What it does, why it was created and its undertakings as well as all about risk assessments. .

Edited by deleted (Sat 11-Jul-15 17:47:53)

Seems all about hse these days and customer satisfaction/ corporate image. Will swot up on stuff

My chum went for a job their last year and according to his feedback he didn't get the job because he didn't know enough about Openreach. So that's your starter.

I like health and safety. What happened before health and safety? A lot more people died at work.

An Openreach newbie is going to be spending a lot of time up poles putting up flying wires. With traffic and pedestrians below that could be at risk as well as yourself.. So you are going to spend a few minutes before everything you do thinking about how you are going to do it safely.

thanks for the tip. Is it true if you don't like the look of a job e.g. exchange on blind bend u can kick it back

Exchanges are buildings usually with safe parking, believe you mean a cabinet and that of decision would be things to consider as part of H&S

Indeed you are correct.

You think things through and plan how you are going to do it. if you don't see a safe way of doing something you would contact your supervisor for support.

From what I have read on TBB and elsewhere, I suggest that having a good idea of what OR officially does NOT do may be important as well!

You mean like it's not suppose to give preferable treatment to one provider

Got an email saying what happens at the centre you have a presentation from a manager then a colour blind test then 2 interviews roughly lasting 30mins discussing suitability for role and personal attributes then a manually dexterity test e.g wiring a plug. So time to get cramming

I can tell you what it was like a few years ago, I doubt it has changed much.

There were about 50 people initially, the first tests were roll play type stuff. This is to see how you perform as part of a team. This lasted for about 2 hours, and included some practical elements to see how good you are with your hands.

Then there was a presentation, questions were encouraged and staff were taking notes throughout. So I'd advise you to act really interested and put your hand up and ask something!

Half way through the day 25 people were sent home (with no interview). The remaining 25 were interviewed. Make sure you know loads about Openreach, why it was set up and exactly what it does. You also need to know a lot about the relationship between Openreach and the different parts of BT Group such as BT Wholesale and BT TS&O. And of course the relationship between Openreach and the CP's such as BT Consumer, Sky and TalkTalk.

But don't forget these are interviews for BT Group, it might say jobs are required for Openreach but if they think you're suitable for a job at TS&O instead (for example) you might be sent over there.

In reply to a post by project_x_uk:

thanks for the tip. Is it true if you don't like the look of a job e.g. exchange on blind bend u can kick it back

No!!!

I'd also add that you need to dress smartly, I've seen people turn up to assessment centres in t-shirts, tracksuit bottoms, trainers, caps etc. They ALWAYS get sent home.

Good luck, if you've any other questions then fire away!

Edited by deleted (Sat 18-Jul-15 15:19:56)

What does ts&o stand for. Apparently assessment only lasts half a day now so must of trimmed some bits down.

Technology, Service & Operations

So attended the assessment tues we were all greeted then had 20 min presentation then I was sent for interview last 20mins then waited around for a bit then got called to do practical test which was wife 3pin plug then another interview for 20mins then one final 10min presentation told we would here by Fri at the latest and we were all done by 12.30 supposed to 12 of us there but one didn't turn up. Then one of the managers said only 6 turned on up Monday. So received a phone call today and was told.I have a job and that I start my training 7th Sept

Congratulations

Pleased to hear it. Well done.

Well done!

And good luck for the future.

Well done

In reply to a post by project_x_uk:

So received a phone call today and was told.I have a job and that I start my training 7th Sept

Firstly, congratulations...

Secondly, can I book you for an 8am call on the 8th Sept to come fix my ADSL line
Let me know what you put down under the "favourite biscuits" question and I'll make it so.

All the best in your new job !!

Well done, congrats, bacon sarnies all round.

Fantastic, well done!

Come and fix my line please

In all seriousness, very well done. I'm sure you'll do fantastically

Just don't tell your family and friends! If you do, you will be inundated with requests to help - provide extensions, rerun a wire, install broadband ...

Just don't tell your family and friends

Or people on forums

IT is the worst business to work in - you spend most of your time fixing things for people...

In reply to a post by ian72:

Just don't tell your family and friends

Or people on forums

IT is the worst business to work in - you spend most of your time fixing things for people...

And if it is someone you just about remember from your past, the [censored] will expect you to re-wire their home when they get you there, and "as it was only a little job" expect you to be happy to do it for free or a beer!!!!!

Currently I am rebuilding someone's business website because they decided they didn't want to pay their current hosting company and didn't have any backup of the site.

Will be reconfiguring brothers router tomorrow as he has just had FTTP installed so need to properly secure the home hub.

Sunday at sister in laws because her broadband went down and BT advised a factory reset of the router - so it also needs the wireless and all to be properly setup again.

So, fun weekend

In reply to a post by ian72:

Just don't tell your family and friends

Or people on forums

IT is the worst business to work in - you spend most of your time fixing things for people...

Electrical Engineering was terrible, I use to get loads of knocks at my door asking me to take a look at their TV's, Videos, Stereos etc, got to a point when I had to say I don't do that any more.

The money wasn't too bad.

Software Engineering isn't too bad, you get a few people asking stuff, but not as bad as the hardware side.

Paul

In reply to a post by systemx:

In reply to a post by ian72:

Just don't tell your family and friends

Or people on forums

IT is the worst business to work in - you spend most of your time fixing things for people...

And if it is someone you just about remember from your past, the [censored] will expect you to re-wire their home when they get you there, and "as it was only a little job" expect you to be happy to do it for free or a beer!!!!!

LOL, mates rates.

Paul

Is that with OR or someother bit of BT ? If OR it can still be a good job if you make the best of the good bits and try to forget the bad ( they are stats mad ) and dont fall off any poles ! In many ways its far better then being in the same office / factory doing the same day in day out.

Good luck and i hope you get a good OM .

PS were abouts will you be ?

Well this post took off more than I was expecting.thank everyone for the messages . It is with open reach even a bad day is going to be better there than a bad day at my current job will be based in shropshire. I'm expecting a few knocks at my door when I get a van, the new estate I live on has bb issues in some houses so no doubt people will be saying can you come have a look

Edited by deleted (Sat 25-Jul-15 07:19:25)

" even a bad day is going to be better there than a bad day at my current job"

Come back in a year and let us know how your thoughts by then.

------------

Apart from that, I think why your post "took off", is that with relatively rigorous interviews, one learns a lot, whether one gets the job or not.

Similar to passing a conventional but rigorous exam

Edited by deleted (Sat 25-Jul-15 08:04:27)

In reply to a post by project_x_uk:

Well this post took off more than I was expecting.thank everyone for the messages . It is with open reach even a bad day is going to be better there than a bad day at my current job will be based in shropshire. I'm expecting a few knocks at my door when I get a van, the new estate I live on has bb issues in some houses so no doubt people will be saying can you come have a look

What I find is that the people that moan about the job probably haven't got much experience of many other jobs! Even with all the stats and stuff it is way better than my last job there's just no contest!

Hopefully you're on what's called a Volume team, and you'll be doing repair jobs as I have to say that's a lot more interesting than just doing installs all day.

I would always advise you to take up any training you're offered. I suppose it depends on your personality but I prefer to have a varied day, really makes the job more interesting.

If you're within walking distance from your nearest exchange you can park your van there overnight rather than outside your house, I'd really recommend that too if that's a possibility. You start work a bit later if you do that!

Edited by deleted (Sat 25-Jul-15 09:08:01)

Not sure that new starters are allowed to be yard / exch parkers anymore .Some may park there but still have to give commute time like a home parker. OP best try and get real U/G skills soon as , its a lot better then just doing fits all day long.

We were pretty much told we had to park vans at home unless we really couldn't but still ha ssh to be at first job by 8.what's U/G skills

U/G = underground cables as in really working on the u/g network ie not just in the green boxs ( PCP / CAB )

You will pick up the OR language soon as in " go and tone the back end out " "its diss in a JRC12" ect

Some old boys still talk about "91s" lol

In reply to a post by btbert:

Some old boys still talk about "91s" lol

How could anyone manage without a pair of 91s? A really good/useful tool!

In reply to a post by project_x_uk:

We were pretty much told we had to park vans at home unless we really couldn't but still ha ssh to be at first job by 8.what's U/G skills

Oh dear, these new contracts hey? I don't understand that though, how can you be onsite by 8am if you don't know where the first job will be?

Have to get them off either work phones or laptops. That's what they said at interview mite all change by the time training is done. Anyone stayed at yarnfield

Get payed from 8 but you pick up work so can leave by ? We get a time we have to leave home by this is time to drive from home to the centre of your PWA ( perferred working area ) or your patch so veroius times so lets say 7-30. So if 1st job is 1/2ha away you get there for 8. I its 1hr away you get there for 8-30 ect.If 1st job is 10min away happy days as you get 20mins at home . And much the same at the end of the day ie first 1/2hr driving home is unpayed but if longer is payed.So we give them 5hrs a week for free but then you dont need a car to get to work .So ups and downs but for me it works to park at home still.

But new starters maybe on a different contract? If so it will be worse.

Yep about 10 times in all but years ago . The best bit is �The Labour in Vain� a pub just off site, had many a pint in there.


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2939584/Staf...

In reply to a post by btbert:

Get payed from 8 but you pick up work so can leave by ? We get a time we have to leave home by this is time to drive from home to the centre of your PWA ( perferred working area ) or your patch so veroius times so lets say 7-30. So if 1st job is 1/2ha away you get there for 8. I its 1hr away you get there for 8-30 ect.If 1st job is 10min away happy days as you get 20mins at home . And much the same at the end of the day ie first 1/2hr driving home is unpayed but if longer is payed.So we give them 5hrs a week for free but then you dont need a car to get to work .So ups and downs but for me it works to park at home still.

But new starters maybe on a different contract? If so it will be worse.

Not for us new boys it's have to be on site for 8 if it's 1hrs away u travel there for free then get paid from 8 then when u finish last job the travel home is unpaid so if it's 2hrs drive home it's stuff

Yep i had heard that maybe the case.

In reply to a post by btbert:

Yep about 10 times in all but years ago . The best bit is �The Labour in Vain� a pub just off site, had many a pint in there.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2939584/Staf...

My sister and husband live in Yarnfield, I've been to the 'Labour' several times, it was a pleasant pub but not so much these days. Her husband is quoted in that Mail article.

In reply to a post by project_x_uk:

Not for us new boys it's have to be on site for 8 if it's 1hrs away u travel there for free then get paid from 8 then when u finish last job the travel home is unpaid so if it's 2hrs drive home it's stuff

Same or worse for a very high number of people in other jobs I'm afraid.

Exchange parking is the best deal. You are paid from 8 and you have to drive off from the exchange by roughly 8.15. It doesn't matter where your first job is. Travel back to the exchange after your last job is paid.

I don't mind Yarnfield at all, the rooms are a bit dated and the wifi is [censored] awful but I always thought the food was decent enough. A lot of people expect burgers and chips and it's not like that at all! If you like home cooked style food you'll like it. There's really nothing to do round there though at all.

In reply to a post by Icaras:

Exchange parking is the best deal. You are paid from 8 and you have to drive off from the exchange by roughly 8.15. It doesn't matter where your first job is. Travel back to the exchange after your last job is paid.

I don't mind Yarnfield at all, the rooms are a bit dated and the wifi is [censored] awful but I always thought the food was decent enough. A lot of people expect burgers and chips and it's not like that at all! If you like home cooked style food you'll like it. There's really nothing to do round there though at all.

please tell me they do chips, i noticed that as well very remote mite take my xbox or something just to pass the time at night. was speaking to one engineer today and he only did a week there then got moved up to leeds that was in jan this year

When i last went it had a good gym and sauna to work all the food and beer off .

Was there much scenery to look at if you catch my drift

None at all when i went , i know in OR pr pics every 3rd engineer is a young hot blonde ( female ! ) but in the real world ! ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Never seen a female OR engineer to be honest.

I did. Up a ladder at my house.

Yeah I think there have been chips on occasion! But it's not a guaranteed thing, you'll find something you like I'm sure.

I had to work in the evening there on my laptop so I needed a good internet connection. Ended up getting one of those Three Mobile Broadband USB dongles, it was much faster than the wifi there, also got a little USB aerial for my laptop so I could watch tv!

Oh joy can't be any worse than my home connection speed. Done all my paperwork just sat waiting to finish old job and start this now

Do OR engineers get bt sport free or is it at a reduced rate

Infinity 2 Broadband and all BT Sport channels free. You've got to pay line rental though.

Edited by deleted (Tue 11-Aug-15 17:52:19)

Yay on the sports buy sadly they have not yet upgraded my cabinet so stuck on 1.9mb connection hopefully might push the to upgrade it. Sigh if only

If you dont yet know yet you will leard how to sort out your house wiring to make sure you get the best bb your line can give.

In reply to a post by btbert:

If you dont yet know yet you will leard how to sort out your house wiring to make sure you get the best bb your line can give.

That's good because I have 3 sockets and if I plug my modem into master socket or one in living room I loose up to 3/4 of a meg the office upstairs is the best one and its a brand new house

If it's a new house I can almost guarantee it is star wired. You'll learn how to remove star wiring, and turn one of those other sockets into the master socket with an SSFP fitted.

When i last went it had a good gym and sauna to work all the food and beer off .

Have been reading through this thread most politely, all very informative. However what I cannot let be posted without commenting is the above.

You SO didn't use the gym or the sauna did you bert !!!




I've been there a few times, it's always been OK, 'cept I always get a room vacated by the sweatiest jointer on the whole company. The food was good.

Good luck in your new role project x. Work hard, learn lots, and don't let the stats drag you down.

Yes i so did back in the day ! even play a game of football once and i hate football. Its being stuck in one place all day and not moving about that does it , god knows how people put up with being in a office all day 5 days a week .

Is there anything to do there at night while doing training . Spoke to a engineer the other day who said he got moved up to Leeds after a couple of weeks

Some people go to the pub but there's also a bar onsite.

It's possible some of your training may be in other places. It's just Yarnfield is the biggest so you'll likely be there the most. There's also training rooms in some of the larger telephone exchanges and I know there's a training centre in Harrogate, Croydon too (I think).

Years since i last went so dont know about now but was only gym , onsite bar and one off site pub if you have no car. Last i heard you had to take your works van ? if so you are stuck there !

ps not 100% about the works van and as you are a new start you may not have a van when you go there.

They do some training at Croydon as its were i did my last training.

Edited by deleted (Wed 12-Aug-15 22:13:25)

Croydon is where I did my initial OH training,

Its being stuck in one place all day and not moving about that does it

You were the goalkeeper then I take it ?

No you don't have to take your work van. You can take your car if you want but of course they won't give you expenses for your fuel.

If you don't yet have a van then they do reimburse your fuel costs to get there.

How things change, Taking a van home would have been a definite no no in the past

Even though some staff park their vans at home now it's still a no no to drive the van outside of work time. You'd get the sack on the spot for that, gross misconduct.

Came across this forum when looking for information.
I applied to the role two weeks ago and within two days I had a similar email to you saying I have an assessment day to attend. Was just wondering if you have any words of wisdom for me? My assessment day is 3rd September so not long to go now and safe to say I am scared, problies going to be the only female there.... -_-

There's a fair few female engineers out there, so worry not.

My advice, it's nearly all common sense, and as long as you aren't colour blind, and you present yourself well, you should be fine.

Good luck, and let us know how you get on.

*I'd tell you what my initial interview, etc was like ....... but times have changed an awful lot since then.

In reply to a post by project_x_uk:

Well this post took off more than I was expecting.thank everyone for the messages . It is with open reach even a bad day is going to be better there than a bad day at my current job will be based in shropshire. I'm expecting a few knocks at my door when I get a van, the new estate I live on has bb issues in some houses so no doubt people will be saying can you come have a look

Congratulations to u
I hope u can come to my house for cup of tea while you fixed my 2nd line! Shropshire in Cuckoo Oak!

Edited by adslmax (Sun 23-Aug-15 23:01:14)

Good luck, Emily . Just stay calm.

In reply to a post by Emily_96:

Came across this forum when looking for information.
I applied to the role two weeks ago and within two days I had a similar email to you saying I have an assessment day to attend. Was just wondering if you have any words of wisdom for me? My assessment day is 3rd September so not long to go now and safe to say I am scared, problies going to be the only female there.... -_-

How it went for me was you all meet in reception then wait a few minutes for people who are late. They have had a lot of people just not turn up we had one in our session not turn up but the week before they apparently had 6 not turn up for one session. You then go upstairs where you will have a presentation about what they do hours you will work, I would advise listening to this as you will be asked something about it in one of the interviews my question luckily was how many hours will you work. You will be then split into 3 groups one will do the practical first which involves wiring a plug just follow diagram you will be fine they do the colour blind test here they will as you to pick a coloured pair then ask you to pick one of the colours. We were all slow doing this just out of nerves so don't worry.then you will have one interview where they will ask you about yourself what you expect to be doing while working for openreach how well you get on doing stuff etc. The other interview is how you go about problem solving. The. Had questions about what happens if you turn up late to a customer. if youCan't fix a fault what hazards you can face etc.let me know if you want me to.go into more detail about anything or have more questions.

Beware of over-briefing. It might show up and rule her out as coached. So far looks fine, but be careful .

Just thinking that luckily the people.when interviewed me were ok some of the lads got really grilled had some tough questions aswell

Thanks for all that information that's great!! I don't know if it's relaxed me abit or more nervous! Just worried about the interviews, are they really formal or quite relaxed in the interview?

Also this may sound like a stupid question as it is an interview, I was gunna go dressed smartly in suit like wear, is this appropriate or not?

Thanks again, and congratulations on yourself getting the job!

Thank you!
I'll let you know how I get on!

Wear suit type wear its not quite as strict as normal interviews but they give nothing away they push u to get as much lyrically as possible

All interviews I've seen at OR (and I've seen a lot) have been, I would say, moderately formal! They definitely want you to be professional but they also want you to be yourself and like to see a bit of your personality.

I'd like to thank you so much for the infortmation you provided.
I had my assesment day yesturday and apparently it all went great as I had a phone call thismorning to say I have the job!!! I can't believe it! I start my training 5th October.

Congratulations. You might feel a bit lonely though as one of the very few females out there. I hope they treat you well.

Brilliant, and congratulations. I hope all goes well for you in the future .

Congratulations I start training on Monday so will let u know what to expect. do u know where your training is.

I had an assessment yesterday as well, got a phone call saying i have passed and offered me a job. Start 2nd November can't wait

Well done Emily. Get yer thermals ready, I reckon we are in for a cold one this year.

But! But!

They didn't mention that in the job adverts.

Well I have arrived at training centre all got picked up at train station filled into mini busses then,had to fill out quick form to get room key mixed ages about 19lads and one young lady. Rooms are very basic and could do with a lick of paint but they will serve there purpose.tomorrow starts at 8am with induction so will post how it goes.

In reply to a post by btbert:

much the same at the end of the day ie first 1/2hr driving home is unpayed but if longer is payed.So we give them 5hrs a week for free but then you dont need a car to get to work .So ups and downs but for me it works to park at home still.

But new starters maybe on a different contract? If so it will be worse.

Not if the European court has anything to do with it; Travelling to work 'is work', European court rules. That could shake things up a bit.

It certainly will shake things up in the company for those on newer contracts. It may actually be to their advantage to now start encouraging people to park in their local exchange again, rather than at home. We shall see.

It is an interesting ruling - I am assuming there must be some limit? A company can't really control where their staff live - what if someone decides to live an average of 4.5 hours drive from the work area? Over a 5 day week with a 48 hour working maximum that would leave just over half an hour a week to do actual work.

I know it is an extreme example but some people choose to live close to their "patch" and others, for various reasons, live further away. I live close to my work place and pay more for housing because of that - those that live further away get cheaper housing and would potentially have fewer productive work hours.

Yep i did see that on the news .

The union will love that they are already trying to get top line increase by getting rid of that bonus we get.

So my first week is over this is how it went . Arrived at stone station along with everybody else you just tell them your name and pick a mini bus then a quick trip to yarnfield. You collect your room key and off you go. Monday we all meet in reception were they will call your names out in groups these are the groups you will be training in until training is over. The morning is full of paper work ,telling you what's expected of you presentations about health and safety (there is a quick 15min break about 10.30) then after lunch it selling time by the union and another company many people werent happy about this( quite pressured).after that's done you get issued your kit there is loads of it. Then another quick chat and your done.
Tuesday
It's a long day it's a full day on health and safety lots of videos to watch discussions etc
Wednesday
The morning was driver theory (this is to do with getting your van on Friday) looking at situations what's wrong how they could do it better etc. Then the afternoon it was about manual handling this only lasted 1.5hrs so we were done by 2.30
Thursday
Driver practical
Here you get split into twos with a AA driving assessor they assess how well you drive a van looking at speed reverse parking parallel parking etc . ( You fail this you don't get your van Fri sadly this happened to the lad in the van with me. You will retake it again at a later date. I would advise lots of van driving if you have never driven one)
Thursday afternoon
Was basic electrical theory
Measuring volts working out resistance etc
Friday
Is van collection day depending on how far away you live depends on if your on first bus or not.

The rooms
Very basic and pretty grubby very used and abused
Food
Pretty decent cooked breakfast in morn or portrayed etc lunch you get 3 options same as at tea time
(If you see a pudding you like grab it as they go quick and don't always restock them )

Training
May not be were you are told after first week found out the rest of my training is in cardiff

Sorry for the long read any Questions just ask

What do you mean by selling time?

They try really hard to get you to join not.quite high pressure sale s but not far off

In reply to a post by Icaras:

It certainly will shake things up in the company for those on newer contracts. It may actually be to their advantage to now start encouraging people to park in their local exchange again, rather than at home. We shall see.

Yep but will they let you park in a local exch / yard (as in near your home) or in one in your PWA ? I know were i would put my money

There's a misconception here. The EU ruling only says that those first and last journeys every day count towards working hours as far as the 48 hour maximum is concerned. Just how that impacts on how people are paid is wholly down to national laws. Things like minimum wage levels, what parts of a job have to be paid for and so on are national laws, not EU ones.

In any event, surely all that Openreach (and similar companies would do) is base all their staff at a local exchange. There are, after all, plenty of them around. I cannot that being popular with Openreach employees if they were to incur the cost of travel.

A more reasonable ruling would have been to place a limit on the "first and last" journey time which is representative of average commuting time. Perhaps 1-1.5 hours per day. That would place both "mobile" and "fixed" staff on an equal footing. After all, those in fixed places of work have to foot their own costs of travelling which is not allowed as an expence by HMRC.

In that case workers will just be given a nominated permanent place of employment. There are plenty of telephone exchanges around the country. The Spanish case arose when a company closed its regional offices. This is not the position with Openreach for the foreseeable future.

Yes but it does affect Openreach. At the moment people are allowed to park their vans at home. As I understand it they have to make their way to their first job by 8am and aren't paid until 8am. Therefore the company would have to start paying them from the time they sign on for work rather than 8am.

That's why I think it will now make more sense to stop home parking, everyone would be asked to try and park in a local exchange and will be paid from 8am. I personally think it's always been a better deal to park in the exchange anyway, you sign on at 8am and of course are paid to travel to your first job wherever that may be.

Regarding the union, I'd always recommend joining. You'll be glad of them if you ever get into any bother at work. New employees always seem reluctant to join though.

Edited by deleted (Sun 13-Sep-15 13:38:58)

But as i say above it depends on what exch you get to park in ! If you live in your PWA and can park near your home then exch parking is the way to go.But if you get told to park in a exch 20 miles away you will still have to drive there in your own time and in your car , not the works van !.

On the be onsite my 8 thats for the new starters , i have to give a "commute time" this is the time from home to get to the centre of my PWA + the time to pick up my first job.In my case 25min so if 1st job is 1hr away onsite by 8-35.

Ref the union you are 100% right its a good insurance policy.

Well I have now finished my 6 weeks training what a whirlwind it was now to put it all into practice with my buddy

You do realise that at the end of another month you become a demi-god on these forums?

Congrats on completing the course and good luck .

Good luck bud , do you know what type of work you will be doing and your skill set ?

What kind of biscuits do you like?

Well done and good luck!

In reply to a post by btbert:

Good luck bud , do you know what type of work you will be doing and your skill set ?

N.o.tv they call it ,just cab jumpering, dropwires and internal no ug or fault repair as such

N.o.tv they call it ,just cab jumpering, dropwires and internal no ug or fault repair as such

Keep plugging away, they'll let you do something decent in the end.

In reply to a post by project_x_uk:

In reply to a post by btbert:

Good luck bud , do you know what type of work you will be doing and your skill set ?

N.o.tv they call it ,just cab jumpering, dropwires and internal no ug or fault repair as such

I think everyone comes in on a NOTV team now. Means they can pay lower wages. Then in about two years time you'll join a normal team. Oddly enough your wages won't increase when you switch teams and take on repair and UG jobs.

Afternoon!

Hooray after waiting for 1 year, YES 1 year I have been invited to the assessment centre.

Another female on the forum too, ex police.

I've read about the assessment process, what is the difference in the 2 interviews, is one totally different to the other in the subject matter or questioning style?

I've prepared some examples of team work, working alone. What concerns me is I don't come from any sort of telecoms or technical background, which they say is fine as they teach you what you need to know. However I can string off a list of my practical capability in my hobbies.... is this even counted?! I built my own camper van from scratch, I build furniture out of reclaimed wood, I am an outdoors girl in all weather and very IT proficient etc etc

What sort of health and safety answers would they need? What do you do if you can't fix a fault or it isn't safe to go up a pole because there is a gale?!

NERVOUS as anything as I really need this job!

I've prepared some examples of team work, working alone.

I'd be throwing in some examples of problem solving as well.

What concerns me is I don't come from any sort of telecoms or technical background,

All my training had been as a chef, 8 years in the catering trade, a further 8 years as a civil engineering labourer .... zero experience in telecoms or technical. I'm just about to chalk up my 19th year as a BT/Openreach engineer, and without wishing to blow my own trumpet, I do OK.

For me initial attitude is everything in a new starter. Not too cocky, personable, happy to be schooled, and willing to work. Ability to speak to the punters is another hugely underestimated skill.

Good luck, what area of the country will you be working ?

I've seen OR interviews from the other side of where you'll be sitting and honestly, any of those practical capabilities you've listed would impress

"r it isn't safe to go up a pole because there is a gale?!" Simple you dont go up it ! You dont risk your life to fix a phone line , it can always be fixed on a other day . Its a good question and is part of pole climbing training.

Did you do the Electrics of the Camper Van?

Was there any particular problems, mechanical, electrical etc, that you encountered; and how did you overcome them?

But as Zarjaz has said, be wary of appearing too confident. Remember the advice for Driving Tests!

The training will be a blur I found you will learn more stuff with your buddy and some stuff they teach you is wrong. On a side note just. Completed my first live week oh what a week

No I didn't do the electrics but all the carpentry and carpeting and everything else that goes with building a camper, I did however install and wire up my inverter but that isn't exactly complicated but I shall be mentioning it!

Still NERVOUS! The 18th can't come soon enough!

Just a thought. Lady on phone asked me if I had done my online test, which I haven't. Is this done at the assessment day? Did any of you do it and what does it consist of?

Thanks

Didn't do any online tests just turned up and had interviews and practical test might be something they have added

Wouldn't it be dependant on the Job Role?

Would be pointless teaching a trainee to safely climb a pole if they are training to be support staff that will be working in an office.

Paul

Very true although I read numerous times for the OR engineer jobs you have an online test first which they send by email, numerical, english and tests on cogs, pulleys, physics etc etc. I certainly won't be complaining if i don't have to go through it but curious as to why it is no longer being done.

I had my assessment day on the 11/11 and didn't have any online tests. Found out yesterday I passed and have been offered a permanent job, training starts 8/2 so a while to wait yet!

Hi Nooby12

Congratulations on passing! That is great news. I am still awaiting my results phone call which is killing me slowly as they said I would know within 5 days and now its the weekend so I have to wait for Monday now!

Thanks! I'm a retail manager at the moment so it will be very different! Think my phone call was on the 4th day.. I'd read on here that people got called the day after so thought I hadn't got it but I did!

Yeah it does make you feel concerned waiting but the HR chap at the assessment take just because you may wait the full 5 days doesn't have any bearing on the result, it's just the time taken to sort it all out.

I wonder if they make contact on a weekend?

I got the job however on an 18 month fixed contract which i am disappointed about as i didn't want to worry about what would happen next and wanted security. But it's a job none the less and cannot complain at all!

I start training 14th March

HR on the assessment day said they keep on 95% of fixed term staff and recruitment on the phone said they keep on 80%. So either way it looks fairly optimistic.
Anyone got an experience on this?

Thanks

HR on the assessment day said they keep on 95% of fixed term staff and recruitment on the phone said they keep on 80%. So either way it looks fairly optimistic.
Anyone got an experience on this?

Yes, on Dec 1st I'll have clocked up 19 years.

The answer is, learn well, work hard, and you'll be a cert.

Sorry haven't checked this thread in a while and I hadn't received any notifications of new posts! Congrats on being offered the job, the guy that lead my day said he could count on one hand the number of people in his 10 years that didn't get kept on after the 18 months, as they are constantly advertising it makes no sense to employ new guys when there's people already trained up..
I'm still waiting on my contract to be emailed, really want it so I can get my notice in as I have a 4 week notice period and want some holiday before I start with openreach. Checking my emails constantly isn't making it appear for some strange reason! Haha

Edited by deleted (Mon 30-Nov-15 13:56:35)

Hi

I've got an interview on Tuesday, and came across this forum.
I've got quite abit of info now from here and hopefully can make a good impression.

Out of curiosity if I got the job and my training was based at yarn field it's only 45 mins from home.
Do they have an issue with people traveling it rather than staying over?

And is the training Monday to Friday? Or are weekends included?
And I take it they pay monthly?

Thanks in advance. Josh

They really want you to stay at Yarnfield. Though if you speak to your manager they have let people drive in daily in the past if they're very close. The most important thing is that you're never late.

Ok thanks for the reply.

Probably won't get the job but thought I'd ask the question just incase.

"Probably won't get the job"

Think you may need to be a bit more "can do " then that !

If you live near stone then its good money so give it ago .

In many ways a lot better then being in a office / factory / workshop all day long.

Think you may need to be a bit more "can do " then that !

To be honest I'm saying that so I don't get my hopes up.

I really want the job and have revised quite abit.
I've been searching forums for a while getting any advice I can
and searching websites to get any info I can regarding the company itself.

Just with me not having much experience with in this sector I think it might
be abit of an obstacle. With me being a builder I like to think I've got the right attitude
and manual skills. But I've never really worked in this area.

To be honest I'm saying that so I don't get my hopes up.

I really want the job and have revised quite abit.
I've been searching forums for a while getting any advice I can
and searching websites to get any info I can regarding the company itself.

Just with me not having much experience with in this sector I think it might
be abit of an obstacle. With me being a builder I like to think I've got the right attitude
and manual skills. But I've never really worked in this area.

Going by the above i think you will walk it ! Good luck bud.

Prior to my joining 19 years ago, I was a Civil Engineering labourer, sheet steel piling, rivers, locks, weirs, bridges and the like. Before that a qualified chef.

Common sense, a willingness to learn, problem solving, a good work ethic, all these things will stand you in good stead.

Thanks pal

In reply to a post by Zarjaz:

Prior to my joining 19 years ago, I was a Civil Engineering labourer, sheet steel piling, rivers, locks, weirs, bridges and the like. Before that a qualified chef.

Common sense, a willingness to learn, problem solving, a good work ethic, all these things will stand you in good stead.

Thanks for the advice. I'll take that on board for my interview.

From my experiences of teaching in the RAF, under almost "boarding school" conditions, I would recommend that you "live-in" at Yarnfield - unless someone who has actually been on the BT Course recommends otherwise.

I can understand your being worried about not having any background in the work; but by staying at home, you will probably be reducing very considerably the assistance, camaradery and discussions that certainly occurred at RAF Locking, #1 Radio School, in the billets and NAAFI.

The trainees had a wide range of backgrounds; but very rarely in Basic Electricity etc, before moving on to intricacies of Radio and RADAR.

Two relatives have gone through similar British Gas training, thoroughly enjoying the experience and gaining general skills that are proving very useful beyond that employment.

So again, make the most of that BT Course, note what it has achieved for Zaejaz and others.

Thanks for your advice.
I'am willing to stay over just thought there would be no need if I live close enough.
Although like you said it may enhance my training. It's something I will discuss with
a member of staff if I get the job.

Thanks again

You may well be given work to complete in the evenings - the expectation will be that everyone scores highly on that. Why and how? Because it shows that you are interacting with the others on the course, discussing the problems and finding solutions and everyone shares the answers.

The willingness to provide suggestions to colleagues and ask for help when needed is an important factor in the role.

Thanks for the advice. I'll just stay up there if I get the job.

Anybody out there passed the assessment centre but not been offered a job? Was told Iv passed but limited spaces in my postcode so unfortunately not got the job? Say they will be in touch once this changes? Any info or feedback much appreciated?

Hi Josh,

I will see you Tuesday as I am at Yarnfield also!

Learnt a lot of this thread so cheers all!

Dave

Sorry Dave only just noticed this.

It was nice to meet you today and good luck.

Josh

It would be interesting to hear/read your opinion of the BT Course itself, with you having apparently been on it recently.

I am due to start training in mid March although I haven't been told where.... although I am sure I stumbled across the location in the paperwork somewhere, not that I can find it now I have looked through all of it again. Yarn field does ring a bell!

Are there any tips or things you would advise on taking? Is there a gym or time to even do so or any good places to run outside? I'm not a fitness fantatic but I can't be cooped up for very long in a classroom.

I was also informed climbing the poles would cripple most people as they are using muscles they haven't used in a long while... is this true haha!


Can anyone also tell me how long it takes to be in a position to learn more? Do more training? Specialise? What options are there? If you train more do you earn more?

Lots of questions I know. Thanks everyone! Jenny

Good questions - I hope that someone does you the courtesy of coming forth with answers from recent experience, as I'm sure several others will be interested in the answers.

Unfortunately now being at the other end of the age spectrum, i am not in a position to do so.

There is a little gym on site and Yarnfield is in the middle of nowhere so you could go for long runs!

As for the poles, no I never found that. I've never found any part of me gets sore, and I'm not particularly fit either, though I'm not unfit.

You'll have been taken on using the new pay band, so initially they'll have you doing basic work, installing lines rather than repairing them. Over the first 3 years they will want to try and train you up to repair faults, and to do broadband and underground work. However to do a lot of that you'd need to move onto a higher pay band, and apparently that's all in discussion with the union at the moment.

The only thing I would add about yarnfield is the food is very hit and miss and you may possibly get moved elsewhere to train I got moved to cardiff to train which ain't a bad thing as some of the trainers at yarnfield suffer from power overload from people I've spoke to who trained there . First few weeks is spent learning health and safety but stick with it. I would buy snacks for your room as poster above said it's in the middle of nowhere . I would also take a tablet or console to help pass the time

Thanks for that info, very useful.

As mentioned before, don't know where I am training. Anyone recall where it says in all of the online documents as I can't find it!

I am in South East so I was told it could be Croydon, Southampton.... Yarn field is a long way away from home for me!

You will find out on your first day they call you into the room in groups of where you are training

A tale from the days of National Service, back in 1957.

On the second day at RAF Cardington (Bedford) a Wednesday, a Corporal called us together to sort out Travelling Expenses.

He first told all those who lived South of Newcastle on Tyne to disappear, No Expenses!

Some of those pointed out that to get to Cardington, they had to first travel North to Newcastle, to catch the longer-distance train/s. Still No Expenses!

The next group was the conventional group, taking up to two days - Expenses.

This left one Solitary Recruit - "When did you start your journey?" - "Monday, Corporal".

"But that's two days or less!" - " No, I meant the previous Monday, Nine Days travelling!!"

"Where did you come from, Timbuctoo?"

"No Corporal. It was from The Skerries, the once-a-week boat to Whalsay. Then I had to wait two days just missing the boat to the mainland."

"So you got on a train down to Cardington?"

"No Corporal. That was the Shetland Mainland, with yet another day waiting for the ship to Aberdeen, that voyage was 18 hours. Followed by another wait of some hours for a train to Edinburgh, where there was another wait for the night and only train to Kettering, where I had to change to the local train for Bedford!"
----------------

Interesting times!

Edited by deleted (Sun 27-Dec-15 19:06:48)

In all likelihood it will be Yarnfield, it's by far the biggest training centre.

Good suggestion to get food and drink for your room, I always did that. Especially as once you get your van you'll want to use it to get to Yarnfield instead of your own car as then you don't need to worry about claiming back the cost of the fuel etc. However once you're there in your OR van you're effectively stuck there, I've never risked using the van at night in Yarnfield as they'll accuse you of using it outside of work time which is a disciplinary offence.

Personally, I always quite liked the food there. It felt like good, honest home cooked style food to me! If you're into burgers and chips then it's probably not for you!

"you don't need to worry about claiming back the cost of the fuel etc."

So you can take your own car and get back the cost of fuel ? Is so why would anyone take a OR van up there ? Got to be better to have your own car up there !

What sort of perks is there for working with O.R...also thinking of joining what sort of pay would you say 3 years down the line would be like.

In reply to a post by btbert:

"you don't need to worry about claiming back the cost of the fuel etc."

So you can take your own car and get back the cost of fuel ? Is so why would anyone take a OR van up there ? Got to be better to have your own car up there !

Because once you get your van they won't let you put in claims for your own vehicle. They want you to use the van. But new starters may have to wait a good few weeks to get their van.

As for perks, free Infinity 2 broadband and heaviliy discounted BT TV and BT Mobile packages.

Pay, I don't know. New staff are on a different pay band and contract, which is lower than what everyone else is on.

Edited by deleted (Tue 29-Dec-15 09:30:07)

Thanks for the reply....thinking of moving to this industry but not sure if the perks and pay is going to match current salary of 30k....

Yeah sadly that's what the existing staff are on (pretty much, when you take into account the few hours a week overtime every tends to do). New staff aren't on that, I know that much.

My starting is £22,374 as a network engineer so quite a way from £30k!

Yea but it doesn't make sense to quote the "starting" salary really. Top of the grade for the old contract (ie what most OR engineers that you'll see out and about) is pretty much £29k, once you add in (almost unavoidable) overtime they're easily on over £30k.

I've a feeling the top of the new pay band is only around £23-24k with some kind of performance based bonus on top of that.

Well he said he's thinking of joining so the starting salary is pretty relevant if comparing to his current wage.. Not as though you can join further up the pay band, whatever that may be. Performance bonus is up to 10%. Unfortunately new starters always get a poor deal nowadays, same with the company I'm leaving. Gives more incentive to progress I guess. If you think about how many people are being taken on constantly I'm not surprised they don't want to pay 29k+ anymore! Oh and overtime isn't optional any more..

Edited by deleted (Tue 29-Dec-15 22:57:27)

How you get on Josh?

I am awaiting where will be my role and have passed and will hear before Feb apparently?

Same mate.

Said should know start dates etc by the end of Jan.

happy days then mate!

keep in touch on here and we will be hopefully on same courses. depends on residential, business or spec where we go I have been told.

Unfortunate thatyou have not been offered an immediate position with BT OR; but have you considered applying to one of their Sub-Contractors?

To the other BT OR staff on this thread
Would that be advantageous in developing directly his skills?

More job satisfaction ? As in being able to complete more jobs rather then sending the back for someone else to do. But not more money ! Now some years back we were told "more skills = more pay" but it never happed.So you have a socket jockey on the same pay as a multi skilled guy.

Apparently the union are looking into it but still a mass shortage of ug skilled as they won't pay wages

Apparently the union are looking into it

...... yeah right.

Anyone else starting on the 8th Feb??

I started Dec 1st '96 !?!?

Haha I didn't mean you, I didn't realise I had hit reply on your post, my bad!

Hey all

I was meant to start training on March 14th but I had a call to say I was the only person on the course so they had to cancel and I could i start the week before which I was unable to do. So now it looks like early April as no more courses running in March as end of financial year.

I haven't however heard anything and am getting worried there isn't a course for me? Anybody else been told April?

Ive quit my job based on March 14th start so slightly worried

I applied for a job as BT Openreach Engineer last year and just heard back from them being invited to the assessment centre.

If anyone has any hints or tips they would be greatly appreciated. Had a read through the post and took a few notes. Keeping my fingers crossed and trying to remain positive.

Also, well done to everyone so far on this post that has successfully passed the assessment centre and started training.

hopefully I can pass my assessment and i'll see you at training in April

Good luck to you as well George .

Good luck George but I don't think you will need it you will be great

Ive just been given a start date of 18th April to train in Portslade in Sussex which is apparently the South East training area?! I had no idea they had a training centre there. Where are the poles to climb?!

Can anyone tell me the difference between Network Engineer and Service Delivery Engineer? I have been told there are differences in these roles and I am working as a Network Engineer

Service Engineer will mostly work on their own doing customer installs and faults.

Network Engineer will mostly work in a team building, maintaining and upgrading the network.

They've got a small exchange at Portslade but they may mean their yard at Hove.

Evening all,

I'm new to this forum and have found it very informative reading all the posts!

I first applied to be an OR network engineer in December 2014 and had just about given up hope on ever hearing back... Until last Tuesday when I got an email asking if I was still interested in the position and when was best to contact me to do a telephone interview.
I replied straight away telling them I was interested and that they could contact me any time.
Anyway I had the telephone interview this morning and after about 10 minutes on the phone the woman on the other end told me she was happy to put me through to the next round.. The assessment centre! I'm not sure about anybody else but was your assessment centre close to where you live? I'm from Durham and have been told it'll be in Leeds (87 miles away from my house) next Tuesday.
I was also told if I'm successful in that I'd get a training start date from May/June, it's just the two interviews I worry about, always get nervous in interviews! The tests and practical example like wiring a plug doesn't worry me at all.

Thanks to everyone for all their experience knowledge!

(P.S I didn't mean to piggy back your post wakewaterblue but couldn't find an option to just write a post on its own)

Good Luck for your interview DanJC. I have mine tomorrow afternoon.

I had to travel to Dundee for my interview which is about 120 miles from where I stay but if all goes well then it's well worth the travel time.

I'll let you know how I get on at the interview.

And I also found this very informative from reading the posts. It helped me gain a bit more confidence in going for the interview.

Thanks!
Oh yours is further than mine then! I just thought the assessment days would take place in more local places and just the training further away.. Obviously I was wrong but like you say, if you get through its well worth it. I've just started a full time job too, what and when to tell them I'm still debating!

Yeah let me know how it goes georgeccus please.

Oh also, could anybody tell me what the colour blindness test consists of? If I remember rightly there's more than one way to test for colour blindness, one of them being ishihara? With the numbers and dots?
Been a while since I have been tested so did an online test and all was good but just wondered what version OR use?
Thanks.

Edited by deleted (Tue 08-Mar-16 22:17:41)

I put my application in a few weeks ago, looks like I have a long wait to go before I hear anything by the sounds of it.

I am not sure of the situation today; but for many years in Edinburgh, the poles and climbing etc, were in a yard at West Pilton/Silverknowes, shared with the TA Royal Corps of Signals.

The husband of a colleague was in charge. I think he was POT/BT.

============

Incidentally, just today, I noted that a local company that stems from the Mines Rescue Service, has a full size mock-up of the top of a Wind Turbine in its outdoors training area.

How did it go?
Surely by now you'll have heard the outcome?

Well I've got mine tomorrow.. The only hurdles I face are the interviews, why does there need to be two of them?! Damn it.

Seems they're doing quite a recruitment drive, I had another email today asking if I could partake in a short telephone interview...... Even though I had one last week which is why I'm at the next stage tomorrow. Lol

I feel as if the interviews went well. Still haven't heard back yet though. The 5 working days is up tomorrow so hopefully hear by then. Not sure who to contact if I don't hear by tomorrow though. They said that they would inform us all no matter what within 5 working days.

You'll have been emailed from someone in BT recruitment to invite you to the assessment centre, yes?
If so, I'd email them to ask about it but I wouldn't do it tomorrow.. I'd wait til after the 5 working days has gone by.
Waiting is normally the worse part!.. Hopefully after mine I'm told yay or nay straight away!

Yes I got emailed from someone inviting me to the Assessment Centre so will contact them tomorrow ofnI haven't heard anything.

I was reading somewhere that someone waiting 20 days and of was mainly because they were waiting to finish a lot of interviews.

Unfortunately they don't tell you straight away. Would be so much easier. And yes the waiting is a nightmare. But good things come to those who wait...

Anyway DanJC, good luck today.

Well, been and done it!
Wasn't quite as bad as I was expecting but just hope I've done enough.
I was told they were taking on 1300 this year, up from 1200 they took on last year and that 2000 applicants are through to the assessment stage!
Phone call if I'm successful or email if not within the next 5 working days.
Weeks training at yarnfield, then following training to be done at Harrogate!
Let the waiting game commence.

Well heard back yesterday.

Passed my assessment. Just hoping that they can find a role in my area now. So fingers crossed.

Keeping my fingers crossed for you also DanJC

Ah nice one! Did they contact you or you them?
So they haven't gave you a start of training date or anything?
Which area are you from if you don't mind me asking?
I tried to find out how many people were getting took on for the Durham area and he just told me he didn't know exact figures but that the Durham area was massive and one of the biggest up north!

They contacted me. I missed the call as I had no signal at first then received an email saying I had passed the assessment centre and to congratulate me.

No start date yet but they hope to be able to let me know in within 2 weeks.

I'm in Saltcoats (North Ayrshire, Scotland).

I did ask about the intake but no one knew exact amounts either but they did say some areas had a higher priority than others.

Just hope they do find a role for me after all the effort that was put in.

I do know that if they find a role and I start training that it's in Yarnfield for 2 weeks so might see you so good luck.

Think they will find you something pal. I did the interviews and got the same email. After a few weeks they contacted me with a job role, job area and gave me a start date at the beginning of next month. But I'm away so I start a few weeks later.

I had my assessment in Yarnfield on the 8th the actual assessment was no where near as bad as I was expecting and enjoyed the whole experience
I received an email on Monday to say congratulations I had passed and they would be in touch hopefully within 2weeks to give me a role due to internal restructuring of sites and as they could not confirm where the new sites are they cannot gaurentee a role but assured me should there be a role they would not hesitate to offer it to me
So the excitement soon changed to an uneasy waiting game so fingers crossed I see someone else is in the same boat as well

I had the exact same email as well mate.

Just had a phone call to say that they found me a role. Wanted me to start on 23rd May but I've got holiday booked and it clashes with training so she going to arrange for me to start after my holiday.

So hopefully you hear back soon as well mate

So it seems some people are getting emails to say they got through?
They told me it would be a phone call for a yes and an email for a no!..... Every time I get an email now I panic thinking its a no lol.
They also told me if it was a yes it would be back end of May / June time when I'd start... I'm just wondering how the bank holiday at the end of May would affect that?

I got an email saying that I passed assessment mate and that due to internal restructuring that they couldn't confirm a position but would hope to do so within 2 weeks. 2 days later I got called and offered a role.

I was like your self, panicking that the internal restructuring was the get out clause but then they phoned. I was full of excitement again. Just a shame that my holiday clashes with the training and need to wait a bit longer to start.

Just keep your head up mate. I'm sure you'll get a role and I'll keep my fingers crossed for you mate

I haven't had anything yet although it was only Tuesday when I did the assessment. It was more the fact they said it would be a phone call if I'd passed and an email if not so now I know some people were told they've passed via email I can rest a bit easier every time my phone makes the new email sound haha.

Cheers, I hope so too as I got an email today telling me I was unsuccessful in what was going to be my backup plan! Lol.

They did actually mention a few times they were trying to change the way they did training so were unsure on exactly how it would go down but that all would be revealed when sent the contract!

*on reading back the last few posts I think I was mistaken in thinking your last post was towards me georgeccus, my bad*

Edited by deleted (Fri 18-Mar-16 00:24:32)

Me personally i was never told a phone call if successful and an email if not, i was under the impression it was all done via email either way i guess a lot of us are either waiting for roles and start date or just yes or no answers

Congratulations mate fingers crossed i hear shortly, im itching to get going

Just an update....

I got the phone call this morning and I've got the job!
Fixed term 18 month contract and start 9th May, possibly sooner if people drop out as I've said I don't need to hand in a notice to anyone!

Over the moon!

Well done im hoping i get to have the same feeling mate and wish they would hurry up, what area are you from and when did you go for assessment

All the fun begins for you now have a great time

In reply to a post by DanJC:

Just an update....

I got the phone call this morning and I've got the job!
Fixed term 18 month contract and start 9th May, possibly sooner if people drop out as I've said I don't need to hand in a notice to anyone!

Over the moon!

Congratulations hopefully it's a job for life and not just the initial 18 month contract

Congratulations DanJC, just in time to enjoy the weekend.

Absolutely mate, made my weekend that!
It can only be topped by a Newcastle derby win on Sunday haha.

I'm in the Durham area, did the assessment on Tuesday down in Leeds!

Yeah I hope so too, after hearing that it's very rare they don't keep people on after their 18 month contracts, I feel optimistic about it!

Hopefully pal. They're a good company to work for

How long did you guys wait before getting a response from the application phase?