Openreach Employment 2

Hi Guys,

This is a continuation of the thread 'Openreach Employment'. It's is hoped that those people either waiting to start or have started their employment with BT Openreach can ask or pass on any relevant information. Many thanks to all those who posted valuable information previously.

Any advice regards driving with AA assessor ??

I am a little unsure what that has to do with working for OpenReach....

If it's anything like the one I did for my current job, it's just a video,some form filling and then a steady drive around to make sure you arent a maniac basically. Nothing to worry about.

Given many employees drive a van on their own, probably want to assess driving

You have to go through driving assessment whilst on your first week of training with openreach.

It's nothing really, some basic classroom stuff in the morning and then out in twos with someone from AA, if you can drive you're fine!
One lad didn't pass out of 40+ on our training week (don't know what the hell he did to not pass) but because of that, he never got a van on the Friday and had to be given a lift home!

Hi Dan

Thank You so much for replay!

Are You already start the job?

Ps I send You PM

Edited by deleted (Sat 21-May-16 12:56:29)

I've sent you a PM back Jajo.

Have you received your contract yet? I'm still waiting, if i haven't heard by today i've to drop her an email tomorrow.

Dan, the whole driving assessment, is it like your driving test? I've never driven a van however used to bigger cars....just hope it not like my driving test all over again lol. When you say in pairs, is the other person in the car with you when driving?

Hi Kar87,

Same as you, still no contract through at the moment? Mind you, the person who rang me up with the offer of employment did say I would'nt hear anything until a month before the start date and not to hand any notice in until such time. It still leaves an element of doubt that the start date could be postponed, however, I will try and remain positive and that the start date will be as they said it will be.

I got my final confirmation through today finaalllyyy!!! I'm due to start in 3 weeks and I'd handed my notice in to finish this week so was beginning to sweat a bit. If the test is anything like I had for my current job its really nothing to worry about. Just a drive around to make sure you arent a maniac!

Nope, not like a driving test at all... And it's not in a car it's in an openreach van.
Basically yes there's you and one of the other new starters and then the instructor in the van.. You just go for a drive, taking turns to drive and basically he just tells you where to go and asks you to point out possible hazards. It really isn't anything to worry about! They may ask you to reverse around a corner and reverse in to a parking bay but it's easy.
If, somehow you don't pass... Don't worry! You'll get another chance at a later date of your training! I'm not sure how many chances they give you but like I say it's pretty easy!

Received an email saying my personal employment checks are under verification and will contact me with next steps once that comes to the end asking for my patience a bit longer I did my assessment day April 14th anyone else had this ?

Hi,
Have you been given a start date and did this email regarding the pre-employment checks follow on from the date given. I've been given a start date but have not received an email regarding the checks being underway.

I was worried as I did my assessment day April 14 told I passed assessment then had to take my driving licence to a manager as they only copied 1 side and got that email no start date nothing received an email yesterday that's all I've had just about pre employment checks

Hi Mate,

I had a similar scenario with the driving licence thing i.e. unclear copy and need to take it to a manager to be recopied. It was a few weeks later that I recieved an email saying everything was ok or words to that effect. Post contributor Apuchunk previously stated that he completed his pre-emplyment checks and disclosure 'before the deadline' which appears to indicate that there are further additional forms which need to be filled in also at some stage in this process? I have only recieved a verbal notification recently regarding an offer of a position. Incidently my assessment was in Feb. I havn't filled in any additional pre-employment checks todate as alluded to by Apuchunk and I'm still awaiting written confirmation to my offer of employment. I would'nt worry too much at this stage as it seems part and parcel of the recruitment process to do a lot of waiting for information and updates.

Edited by deleted (Wed 25-May-16 07:19:19)

Cheers mate fills me with a bit of confidence whoever started this forum is a genius they did say there's jobs for everyone so long as they were good on the assessment day just a long process until you start training I suppose looking forward to it though where did you do your assessment

Preston. Hopefully someone who has progressed through the recruitment process recently may be able to give a bit of an heads up on the additional pre-employment forms and what they entail?

I did mine in Birmingham hopefully they can give us a timescale and how you go about references and things

Yes, it would be very helpful to gain an insight from anyone who has gone through the complete recruitment process upto the first date of training. It would be interesting to know what references are required i.e. employment or personal, how far back they go etc, at which point they request this additional information and if the written contract is offered only after this information has been collected and verified?

Edited by deleted (Wed 25-May-16 11:28:46)

I got my contract through accepted offer (all done via email), then only a few hours later got an email to do pre employment checks "7 tasks" References appear to be employment ones as it asks for "start and end date" You have to take another photo, fill out pay form and life assurance form. I applied for my disclosure so it would be here in time rather than having to wait for it (holds up completing the tasks) but that was only after i got a start date. That's all the info i have so far so hope that helps some people

Thats great news getting the contract through. I havn't received my as yet but given that my start date is a week or so after yours I still have a few days to wait. On the reference side of things re: previous employment, how far or how much info regading past employment do they want. I have a few gaps between my employments and don't want it to become a problem if they are looking for continuity in my previous employment stints? I just want everything to run smoothly.

Ahh yeah yours should be soon then . It asks for 3 references, name, telephone so on...start and end date so I assume it has to be someone from your previous three employers but I don't have three previous only two so I just put down two managers from my current employment. Don't worrie about gaps at all as it gives you a part to note down the gaps and why. Lucky for me I was in BT retail for 8 years then went traveling now in the job I'm in now so I don't have many gaps apart from traveling but I put down my years gap and why, you will be fine.

Cheers lads all this information helps to know what to expect I wouldn't worry about short gaps in between employment mate or if there is put searching for work I have 1 or 2 month gaps in mine and I'm fxxxxd if I can remember what years let alone dates

Got my start date 25th July

First week of training completed, van collected and now home for the weekend.

Really enjoyed my first week at Yarnfield, met lots of nice people. From new engineers to the trainers... who done a fantastic job sorting things out.

Well done and thats great news! How did you find the driving assessment? I dont know why but im freaking out about it because ive never driven a van. What are the bedrooms like?

Rooms are good, food is good... couldn't fault it really. Just take supplies as no decent shops around for 2/3 miles. I walked it and ran out of pavement, lol.

Taking my own pillow next time though,

Post deleted by jajo

I'm the same!

Are You going to Yarnfield ?

Where about your from

I will be based in Durham

In reply to a post by Liam1984:

Got my start date 25th July

Did You get new van ?? ford our fiat ?

How was a driving assessment ??

In reply to a post by waggo:

Rooms are good, food is good... couldn't fault it really. Just take supplies as no decent shops around for 2/3 miles. I walked it and ran out of pavement, lol.

Taking my own pillow next time though,

They haven't said mate just said I will get a permanent contract and they will email me in next few days with contract I'm from Wolverhampton

We all got brand new Ford Transit customs.

Driving assessment is good, you can take away feedback from the assessors.

Thx for replay
What did You do on that assessment?

In reply to a post by waggo:

We all got brand new Ford Transit customs.

Driving assessment is good, you can take away feedback from the assessors.

In reply to a post by waggo:

Rooms are good, food is good... couldn't fault it really. Just take supplies as no decent shops around for 2/3 miles. I walked it and ran out of pavement, lol.

Taking my own pillow next time though,

Were you trying to get to Morrisons? That's a trek!

Trotted down to the pub Labour in Vain it reminded me of a scene from An American Werewolf In London (Slaughtered Lamb pub)..."Stick to the roads, beware the moors"! But we survived. Picked up 16plate tranny van on Friday, fortunately there is an Esso garage to fuel it up in Lutterworth. Second week training postponed owing to Bank holiday so a reprieve from pole climbing for a week!!

It's just to see that you're not a maniac when driving.

That was my original plan but decided on the coop by the shell garage instead.

Just over 4 miles in 1hr 35 mins... Not bad really considering my ankles were killing for two days after

I finnaly got my start date of June 27th yesterday after trying for two weeks to meet with a manager for them to scan my license!

Just awaiting on contract now which no doubt will be later than informed aswell!

Any advice what to take on training session??

Is anybody knows about overtime rates?

Time and a quarter usually, but this may be different for the noobs who have different contracts.

You should also be aware that unless stupidly busy, the OT tends to go to multi skilled staff first. The company want value for money from those on OT, makes sense really, and would hopefully provide impetus to make new starters keen to acquire additional skills.

Hi mate,you going to yarnfield? That's the day I start👍

Hi mate. Yes I'm going to yarnfield. They said I would have my contract by today at the latest but I'm guessing she forgot it was bank holiday. Have you had your contract yet?

Yes mate signed my contract on 10th May and did all my tasks,my disclosure Scotland was cleared last Tuesday so I immediately handed my notice in straight after. Someone will get in touch with me to sort travel out etc a couple of weeks before I start.

I'm guessing mine will come through in the next couple of days. I had lots of grief with my drivers license as they hadn't copied the back at the assessment day.

I don't need to work any notice so I will be leaving my current job on the 24th prior to starting on the monday.

Itching to get started now.

Me too mate looking forward to it! Yeah I'm sure it will be here this week. Will see you at yarnfield mate

In reply to a post by Zarjaz:

Time and a quarter usually, but this may be different for the noobs who have different contracts.

You should also be aware that unless stupidly busy, the OT tends to go to multi skilled staff first. The company want value for money from those on OT, makes sense really, and would hopefully provide impetus to make new starters keen to acquire additional skills.

Sunday overtime is surely more than time and a quarter? I've never taken the time to work it out but it seems more than that. Not saying you're wrong though.

Newgrid Rates is 1.45 Mon- Sat. 1.75 Sunday BH 2.5.. Although if you are rostered Sun its 2.0. Hence it is cheaper to pay Sun overtime than roster shifts. Newbies get less.

In reply to a post by partial:

Newgrid Rates is 1.45 Mon- Sat. 1.75 Sunday BH 2.5.. Although if you are rostered Sun its 2.0. Hence it is cheaper to pay Sun overtime than roster shifts. Newbies get less.

Have You got a ling to Newgrid agreement?

There you go Partial is the boy to trust, I'm wrong again [sigh]

Luckily (or unluckily dependant on ones viewpoint) I've not had to work O/T for nearly a year now ....
prior to that, a religious 6 days a week touch, and more when they used to let us.

The fish ?

Hi all just logged in for the first time in weeks
Nice to know i was not the only one experiencing these issues with driving licenses and start dates

After waiting weeks i finally got my offer through and i start training in yarnfield June 27th i see a few others also start then, anyone from the north west? Congratulations to those who have start dates and contracts, im just waiting on my disclosure to come back i only did it last tuesday, and all the best to those still waiting believe me i know what that feels like

Newgrid agreement - http://www.cwu.org/telecoms-financial-services/agree...

Zarjaz, I was working from memory and wrong! Mon - Sat is 1.5 according to the agreement.

Edited by deleted (Tue 31-May-16 18:02:00)

In reply to a post by kar87:

I dont know why but im freaking out about it because ive never driven a van. What are the bedrooms like?

That would be a motorhome .

Seriously, congratulations to all of you in this latest batch. It was a bit worrying after the first ones all got taken on quite quickly and you all got parked.

Edited by RobertoS (Tue 31-May-16 18:44:58)

Zarjaz, I was working from memory and wrong!

So was I, hence being always wrong

Is anybody have any advice regards Winter work like
-clothing
-food
etc ?

Is anybody have any advice regards Winter work

- Thermal underwear is your friend.

The secret is layers. The waterproofs you'll be given are very good these days. They issue, if you ask, a 'Thinsulate' balaclava which can be worn beneath your helmet .. you look like a right tit, but who cares, you'll be a warm tit.

- Get a flask and learn its ways.

- Man up

In reply to a post by kar87:
I dont know why but im freaking out about it because ive never driven a van.
What are the bedrooms like?


That would be a motorhome .

In reply to a post by Zarjaz:

- Get a flask and learn its ways.

And remember to propagate the myth about the tea and biccies...

Point taken.... My bad

Reinforcing Zarjaz's "Thermal Underware", when I was teaching or repairing our RADAR systems outside in the winter, I wore the RAF-issue cotton pyjamas under my "working-blue" uniform etc, that extra layer making a considerable difference.

For my hands, I wore a pair of lady's cotton, thin dress-gloves, with a pair of cyclist's mitts on top. The mitts had only the first joint of each finger present, leaving the rest of each finger exposed and flexible within the aforesaid gloves.

Better prepared than frozen.

-----

The RAF Greatcoats of the period were also very protective and warm, particularly if no bedding was available.

Fasten up the coat fully, without putting it on.

Enter from the bottom, passing your legs into each sleeve respectively, thus also keeping the feet warm.

Edited by deleted (Sat 04-Jun-16 21:16:40)

In reply to a post by partial:

Newgrid Rates is 1.45 Mon- Sat. 1.75 Sunday BH 2.5.. Although if you are rostered Sun its 2.0. Hence it is cheaper to pay Sun overtime than roster shifts. Newbies get less.

But they're also less likely to go out on overtime as they're unlikely to have all of the desirable skills.

I heard this week that some of these noobs, NOTV and such like will not be given any additional training for new skills .....

What a ridiculous state of affairs, the more skills, the less furthers, the more customer satisfaction.

Can anyone tell me what it's like after the training? Anyone on here share their experience after being let loose on their own? I'm looking forward to it but I know it's going to be difficult and people on my back etc,my mates dad called me today,he's been an engineer for 35 years and was calling to pre warn me about what jobs to try and avoid etc,expect the manager to be on my case! Looking forward to it but slightly apprehensive after spending 10 years in the same job!

Signed my contract start on July 26th how's it going mate ?

In reply to a post by Mattb15:

Can anyone tell me what it's like after the training? Anyone on here share their experience after being let loose on their own? I'm looking forward to it but I know it's going to be difficult and people on my back etc,my mates dad called me today,he's been an engineer for 35 years and was calling to pre warn me about what jobs to try and avoid etc,expect the manager to be on my case! Looking forward to it but slightly apprehensive after spending 10 years in the same job!

Check http://openreachengineer.net/viewforum.php?f=8

This don't looking good for me as well

Congratulations! Yes, I too have recieved my contract and accepted. We're finally on the move now.

In reply to a post by Shlonger:

Congratulations! Yes, I too have recieved my contract and accepted. We're finally on the move now.

Me too!

Congratulations to you also jajo!

How long its take to have online Disclosure check done?

It normally takes 14 days but they are turning them around in 5 to 7 days at the moment congratulations

Any body go to Yarnfield on 25 July ??

Anyone able to give a breakdown of what's involved in the training course?

Hi mate, you got your train sorted yet? I arrive there at 7 in the evening one week at yarnfield then Harrogate for the rest

Hi mate. No train not booked yet. I have received my disclosure certificate today and sent that by email so imagine they will contact me this week. Have you been told what you need to take? I'm in yarnfield for the full six weeks

Hi, yeah I'm sure they will sort it as soon as your disclosure is sorted, just clothes for evening etc, smart casual for induction apparently, gonna take 2 holdalls for the gear we get. Boozer down the road for something to do in the evening if bored!

Happy days. Iv read that we get an early finish on the Friday after collecting vans. Not long to go now but will no doubt drag!

Yeah hopefully an early finish, I've gotta drive back to Lincoln. I finish my job this Friday then a week off thank god!

I have my train sorted too as of this morning, should be there for around 6 6.30, im also doing the full 6 weeks at yarnfield see you on the 26th fellas

Hi

My train booked this morning also. I will be arriving into stone at 7pm. Not long to go now.

Meet you at the station then mate

Yes mate looking forward to it

No not long but feels like its dragging i think from what the fella said on the phone this morning we are all arriving at stone within an hour of each other then taken as either 1 group or a couple of groups, you got a long journey?

No mate I'm only in Burton on Trent. It would be quicker for me to drive there than the 3 trains iv gota get.

Is anybody been over the gym in Yarnfierld training building ????

I have been offered a position and will hopefully be training in September can anyone please give me some insight to the training. I have a week in yarnfield then 2 weeks in harrogate. I hae never done anything like this before but love all kinds of technologies so was just wondering if the training is tailored for someone who has never done this line of work before?? many thnanks and congratulations to everyone who got jobs

I hae never done anything like this before but love all kinds of technologies so was just wondering if the training is tailored for someone who has never done this line of work before??

It has more to do with aptitude and attitude, if these are right, then the rest will be learned.

Who start on 25 July ??

Who start on 25 July ??

01/12/96 Here.

Hopefully I will be starting in the coming few weeks. Anyone got any updates as to the training and how it pans out over its duration? Wakewaterblue began giving some very good feedback about the initial stages of training but then just appeared to peter out. Maybe the training became too intense with no time to update the masses?

Edited by deleted (Fri 01-Jul-16 06:51:41)

Why is getting very quite now on this topic for some reason ??

Because this is a forum for broadband issues and the like, NOT for Openreach noobs to discuss their prospective training and the like.

But this thread IS for Openreach Noobs who are simply trying to gain some basic knowledge and hopefully not fall into the trap of making an ignorant comment to someone asking a simple question

Jajo, maybe some of the folk have now perhaps gleaned the information they required on their journey to becoming an Openreach Engineer and are currently wrapped up in thier training?

Starting the 26th July guys. Not really sure what to expect!

Wages?

Great news, we could do with a bit more feedback from those who are or have received recent training just to get the heads up. Regarding the training locations, do you remain there 7 days a week or is it just 5 days Mon-Fri then return again after the weekend?

In reply to a post by Shlonger:

Great news, we could do with a bit more feedback from those who are or have received recent training just to get the heads up. Regarding the training locations, do you remain there 7 days a week or is it just 5 days Mon-Fri then return again after the weekend?

I think it's just for the 5 days but don't quote me

In reply to a post by RobertoS:

Wages?

Hope so! Lol

It is monday to friday once youve finished on friday you travel home in your new van provided you pass a driving assessment ( just to make sure your not a nutter) you then return to your training facility on sunday before midnight ready to start the next week

Cheers Crustalz for clarifying the residential arrangements. How are you finding the intial beginings of the course?

Its good to be fair some very intense days loads of time on your hands at night, the first week is pretty much inductions into the company health and safety etc but it also gets team bonding going as you stay with you stream throughout your training normally a group of 7 or 8 and you recieve all your kit i mean everything!!!
Then after that it gets interesting with pole climbs and street works courses health and safety, pole climbing is brilliant i would happily spend my days up them at times there is a lot to take in but the way its put across you reatain so much

Im loving it

Cheers for the info too Crustalz
Where are you doing the remainder of your training after Yearnfield?

Does anyone know the policy on using the work vans, I know that we obviously can't use them for personal use but can you, for example, stop at tescos or the gym on the way home from your last job? I start in September so just interested to know!

Yes you can get away with it i guess?

i've seen a few OR people in my local sainsburys and a bakers down the street.

Im at yarnfield for the full 6 weeks then into the north west area

Van usage other than work purposes is a no no
So no sainsburys or gym on the way home after your last job vans are fitted with trackers and you can be disciplined for it, your not really allowed to go to sainsburys in your own car wearing your uniform your expected to go straight home and change

Stopping on the way home en route to pick up an evening paper, pint of milk, four pack of Stella etc. Will be okay.

Stopping on the way home to go to the gym, watch a movie at the cinema, pick up your weekly shopping at the superstore, having a pint at the pub will not.

Managers are inherently lazy and won't be looking at your tracker too hard but when they have cause to, it is very easy for them to pick up off route activity.

Occasional off route activity they won't worry about, repeatedly off route activity is an easy tick box for them and a problem for you.

They are looking at very small amounts of time. Two minutes here, three minutes there off route. They then add this time together and calculate you could have done another job per month in this time.

I would advise any errands are done short time on the way home and any errands during working hours, leaving the van where it should be and walking.

Edited by deleted (Thu 07-Jul-16 23:49:33)

Thats a great detailed insight to the initial training programme you've given there Crustalz, many thanks. Also to the other contributors regarding the use of company vehices. All this information is really helpful, especially when you know its coming from people currently experiencing or having experienced the ways of OR first hand.

Thanks guys.

I just finished my second to last week at Yarnfield and finally beginning (if only slightly) to feel a bit like an engineer. This week was the toughest yet with 4 days of dropwire training (up and down poles etc). Looking forward to buddying now though and being at home with my family. Any questions I will try and answer over the weekend

In reply to a post by ApuChunk:

I just finished my second to last week at Yarnfield and finally beginning (if only slightly) to feel a bit like an engineer. This week was the toughest yet with 4 days of dropwire training (up and down poles etc). Looking forward to buddying now though and being at home with my family. Any questions I will try and answer over the weekend

hey hope its going well! Are you competly new to this type of work?? Just wondering as ive not done anything like before so want to see how intense the training is! Cant wait to get started

Yea completely new! It does seem like a lot of info at once thrown at you but you'll be surprised how much of it sticks. They say you do 10% of learning on training then 40% buddying then the rest is learned on the job. I dont think they rush you into anything if youre not ready though (I hope) It's been a great time apart from being away from home but you do have a good laugh with the people you meet there.

Cheers for the info ApuChunk. Really appreciated. Can I ask what time do you generally start and finish each day?
Glad you've had fun, not looking forward to leaving the family and kids but needs must and only a temporary thing. Just hope we finish early on a Friday so I can hit the road!

Just received my train tickets for Yarnfield on 25 July !!

Can't wait !

Whilst training its normally 8.30 till 4 but if there stuff you want to finish or the instructor wants to go over then these times differ slightly lets face it your not in a rush to go home monday to thursday, once out in the field your expected to be at your 1st job for 8 then work till 4.10, try not to worry about it all being new they take people from all walks of life and teach you all you need to do your job like APUCHUNK said it may seem like loads of info at once but its done in a way that will suprise you how much you remember, friday can be hit and miss sometimes its job and jack other times its not possible and your still there at gone 4 it cant be helped

In reply to a post by sam0111:

Does anyone know the policy on using the work vans, I know that we obviously can't use them for personal use but can you, for example, stop at tescos or the gym on the way home from your last job? I start in September so just interested to know!

The rules say they can be very picky. The vans are heavily tracked. Be VERY careful until you hear otherwise from your new manager. It's actually worth asking your new manager directly, it's a reasonable question.

When you start properly you fill in a timesheet daily so that you can be paid for any overtime and so that the flex system can calculate where you're up to. If you stop for 5 minutes at a Tesco Express on your way home, I would simply deduct that 5 minutes from your timesheet so that basically you're saying you're not expecting them to pay you for your 5 minute visit to Tesco! I would say in general yes to a 5 minute pop in to Tesco Express on the way home, no to actually pulling into a Tesco Superstore and doing a shop on the way home. And absolutely, massively, no to a visit to the gym on the way home!!

It sounds crazy, but honestly, I've known a couple of people to be sacked for personal use of the van.

Edited by deleted (Sat 09-Jul-16 12:59:59)

In reply to a post by jajo:

Just received my train tickets for Yarnfield on 25 July !!

Can't wait !

See you there Jajo! Where are you heading from?

Afternoon folks - just finished my buddying time and out on own from tomorrow. Happy to try and answer any questions

In reply to a post by DashRendar:

Afternoon folks - just finished my buddying time and out on own from tomorrow. Happy to try and answer any questions

Hi DashRendar

Are You ok our everything get complicated ??

In % what You do more :

Faults our New Connection ??

Any advice for new starters?
Cheers

Seb

In reply to a post by Paul2018:

In reply to a post by jajo:

Just received my train tickets for Yarnfield on 25 July !!

Can't wait !

See you there Jajo! Where are you heading from?

I travel on 24 from Durham

14:54 - Durham

17:26 - Derby

17:42 - Derby

18:34 - Stoke-On-Trent

18:59 - Stoke-On-Trent

19:07 - Stone

It's Monday to Friday and back Sunday evening.

On my second week of buddying now and really enjoying it!

In my opinion the initial training is nothing more than safety with an overview of general principles, training environments are too perfect. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Harrogate. Getting used to the systems had the steepest learning curve.

The drop wire week was the most physically demanding. ,

When the buddying starts you do a week of installations (I only had 2 new drop wire installs) the second week faults and 3rd is a mix.

Do you know who your manager will be Jajo? I'm in durham.

Try to get involved in the training as much as poss. Ask loads of questions if needed. the drop wiring and internal wiring is where I got the most from.

In reply to a post by DashRendar:

Do you know who your manager will be Jajo? I'm in durham.

Try to get involved in the training as much as poss. Ask loads of questions if needed. the drop wiring and internal wiring is where I got the most from.

Hi
I thing my local manager will me mark.

Who is Yours? Colin ?

In reply to a post by jajo:

In reply to a post by DashRendar:

Do you know who your manager will be Jajo? I'm in durham.

Try to get involved in the training as much as poss. Ask loads of questions if needed. the drop wiring and internal wiring is where I got the most from.

Hi
I thing my local manager will me mark.

Who is Yours? Colin ?

You got a PM Dash

Post deleted by seb

In reply to a post by katieswift:

Post deleted by seb

Nickname Katie and then post deleted by seb?? hmm:>

He's the site owner.

In reply to a post by jajo:

In reply to a post by katieswift:

Post deleted by seb

Nickname Katie and then post deleted by seb?? hmm:>

removing spam

Is anybody know what will happen if You field the AA assessment ?

you get to re take it at some other point, not to sure how that works though, over all i think its 3 chances. I wouldnt worried about the assesment its nothing at all and you would have to be a crazy driver to fail that. Good luck

In reply to a post by jajo:

Is anybody know what will happen if You field the AA assessment ?

If you fail it you don't get your van on Friday then you go out with your manger for up to a hour driving around at some point happens to a lad that was on our training course. To. Be fair to him he oh passed his test week before training and had never driven a van

In reply to a post by project_x_uk:

In reply to a post by jajo:

Is anybody know what will happen if You field the AA assessment ?

If you fail it you don't get your van on Friday then you go out with your manger for up to a hour driving around at some point happens to a lad that was on our training course. To. Be fair to him he oh passed his test week before training and had never driven a van

So he just have a drive van on last week of training (manager day)?

Is all You guys got brand new JDSU tester Our 2nd hand one ??

I don't know about the driving thing with the manager but the JDSU's are a combination of new and used. It's pot luck which one you receive. Which ever, they are all fully functional anyways and it wont be long before the new ones are scuffed and the like. Have you started yet?

Edited by deleted (Sat 30-Jul-16 08:01:04)

In reply to a post by Shlonger:

I don't know about the driving thing with the manager but the JDSU's are a combination of new and used. It's pot luck which one you receive. Which ever, they are all fully functional anyways and it wont be long before the new ones are scuffed and the like. Have you started yet?

I start 2nd week

Hi guys! Im new here and I was looking for a place to discuss being an engineer for BT as I found an old thread on here but it was deleted! OK so basically I was invited to an assessment day last Wednesday, I got an email Monday saying I had passed and could start early as September! Got really excited and then got an email today stating because availability in my area was low positions have been given to other candidates! frown it then goes on to say if and when something comes up I can be offered a job, not feeling hopeful anymore as Norfolk is a small area so I can't see them hiring again soon! Just wondering if anyone has any experience with working for open reach? And possibly how long I could be waiting?

Any help or advice will be much appreciated

Edited by deleted (Thu 11-Aug-16 21:32:02)

The reason it has gone quiet since the end of July is probably because that batch of posters are all in training now.

Some may post again in a bit, but there were some posts in here, or in the previous thread, (surely that was just closed because it got too long - hence this one being headed "Openreach Employment 2"?), where people had had the same happen to them and they got called up months later.

IIRC there are several references in the thread to recruitment staff being contacted and getting helpful replies. I'll leave you to browse through.

Good luck.

I've read through this thread and the original thread and got some pretty helpful advice and information. Thanks to everyone who has contributed.

I originally applied for OR on 5th May and they came back to me in June offering me a telephone interview after reviewing my CV. I replied a couple of days later and was told all the slots were gone and I was too late. The only option was to remain on a waiting list for a later date, if any vacancies came up. Well needles to say that's what I did.

Then in mid July they emailed me out of the blue saying vacancies had arisen and was I interested I replied straight away this time. They called me a few days later and I missed the call to conduct the interview. They called again and I was working so they left a message, I called back and conducted the interview. It was a friendly chat about why you want the job, what you can bring and a scenario based question on customer service. I was put through to an assessment straight away and had that assessment last week.

The assessment centre was held over two days with about 65-70 candidates in total for all for morning and afternoon slots. I had the morning slot with about 13 other people. The assessment is far more relaxed than I anticipated and I've done far worse assessments. Everyone wore a suit, mostly blue funnily enough!! It started with an opening presentation from a manager and included a capability interview and suitability interview, both last 20 mins roughly and with a different interviewer. They were both friendly and I felt at ease from the start. There was however a lot of waiting around what with the managers conducting 2 interviews per candidate. You have one manager interviewing you and then the next interview a different manager. These are far from rigourous and they prompt you to get more info, don't be disheartened if they do. Just make sure you think about it and answer if they dig further. Your original answer was inadequate but all is not lost. Stay calm.

There was however a lot of waiting around and we wasn't provided anywhere to sit until the end. It was a bit frustrating. Next up there was a 20 minute skill test wiring a plug, this is simple. If you haven't ever done it then practice. You have plenty of time and you have instructions. Also you have good tools to strip the cable. The colour blind test follows this. Lastly you have a closing presentation from the manager, your photo taken and answer any questions you have.

I then received a call 2 working days later (5 days in total with BH) and told I have the job and I start in October. Contract to come at a later stage etc etc It felt like a lifetime waiting but it wasn't really that long.

I cannot wait to get started. Good luck to anyone going for it!

"The colour blind test follows this."

When i went for my job interview the very first thing they did was give me a 10pr cable and ask me to tell them the color of each wire . Why waste all that time if you cant do that !

Edited by MC31 (Sat 03-Sep-16 23:24:58)

When i went for my job interview the very first thing they did was give me a 10pr cable and ask me to tell them the colour of each wire . Why waste all that time if you cant do that !

Same as that. Maybe they are unable to discriminate against a prospective employee on the grounds of colour blindness these days ??

In reply to a post by MC31:

"The colour blind test follows this."

When i went for my job interview the very first thing they did was give me a 10pr cable and ask me to tell them the color of each wire . Why waste all that time if you cant do that !

They do ask during your telephone interview if you're colour blind, well they did during my one.

They aren't going to humiliate someone in front of the group by sending them home, if they fail the colour blind test because it was the very first test. Same if you fail the plug test, they checked ours immediately but didn't give results.

Hello,
New poster from the Inverness area,
Had an assessment last Wednesday, quick presentation, two short interviews, colour blind test and wiring a plug. Documents verified and photo taken.
Told 5 working days, found out same day, I got the job! Start on 24th October in Yarnfield for a week (luckily I'm actually looking forward to the 400 mile trip ), then should be in Livingston near Edinburgh for the remainder.
Can't wait to start! Told to expect the contract and other checks (references, disclosure etc.) this week.

Wow, well done. You found out fast. I had to wait 5 days although it was the bank holiday weekend. I got my contract and job offer through today, about 9 days after the phone call.

I start on the same date as you, 1 week at Yarnfield and the rest in Croydon.

Was hoping it would be this week, however both people I've had correspondence with are now on holiday, so may not see anything till Monday if it's them that send it out? I'll probably see you at Yarnfield then.

Just finished my first week at Yarnfield if anyone needs any info let me know ill try help you out

Hi guys.

Any one else starting their training on the 10/10 at Peterborough? Has anyone had any experience of training there?

Thanks

In reply to a post by jajo:

In reply to a post by project_x_uk:

In reply to a post by jajo:

Is anybody know what will happen if You field the AA assessment ?

If you fail it you don't get your van on Friday then you go out with your manger for up to a hour driving around at some point happens to a lad that was on our training course. To. Be fair to him he oh passed his test week before training and had never driven a van

So he just have a drive van on last week of training (manager day)?

Is all You guys got brand new JDSU tester Our 2nd hand one ??

Why do you care if it's a used or new one?!

Accepted my contract, completed all tasks, photo, disclosure, health declaration etc. Does anyone else get in contact before the travel team 2-3 weeks before the start date?

Are you going to Yarnfield on the 3rd of October?

Hi,

Would you happen to know how long it took to get a contract sent through. I was given my provisional training date in November then sent an email link to conditional offer which I accepted. That was nearly a couple weeks back and nothing else yet.

Also does anyone else know how many years back they go on reference checks? One of my previous employers closed down around 5 years ago and cannotget in contact with them.

Many thanks for your help

24th October at Yarnfield for me.

I was emailed a link to my offer and my contract was included. The day after I accepted it I got an email asking me to complete tasks (references, health declaration, disclosure). They asked for references relating to the previous 3 years experience.

Hi Cal,

Thanks very much for your reply, I was starting to panic a bit. I contacted recruitment today as the acceptance contract stated after acceptance I would hear from them via email a couple of days later. That was a week ago and told by very nice lady that it was due to her being on holiday. Seconds later and I received an email requesting further information regarding checks and a courtesy call saying if I needed further assistance to give her a call, which was quite impressive and reassuring.

Looking forward to start the training in November. I wish you all the best and success for the future.

I also start on the 24th october at yarnfield just waiting to hear from travel team

Good you got it all sorted, good luck in your training as well Dylan. I can't wait

Dan, I'm also waiting for the travel team, hoping they might just send me on a flight from Inverness to Manchester? Probably not... I emailed my recruitment advisor who said there's some more tasks getting sent out tomorrow, don't know if you'll be the same?

Wonder what they could be have you had your disclosure of scotland through yet? Just wanna get my travel sorted out then get there now. I emailed mine today as my reference hasnt heard anything but she said there low on priority and they have a back log

He did say some tasks would be the same as we've already done, my disclosure took a week from submitting it to getting it in the post. Yeah I just finished my current job on Saturday there and my manager hadn't said they'd been in contact yet.

It could be the "ready to start" email with uin and area of work on it.

I don't finish until 21st but wish I had finished now! I havent had much contact with my advisor after I had completed my online tasks and the stuff I sent to my advisor.

Yeah I think it probably is, I haven't had any other contact with my advisor apart from that email, and the disclosure certificate you send to them.

Did you not send them your dvla number for your driving licence aswell as another photo and clothes sizes?

Not yet, maybe that's what's coming tomorrow, what point did you do that at? Is that your licence number or the check code you request from the DVLA?

Yeah I did all that straight away as soon as I got my contract I had an email from my advisor asking me to send all that information to them dvla licence, another photo and clothing sizes.

Hi Guys.

On my "offer of employment" it says I'm a NE2 Team Member and my role is a Network Engineer. Just interested in finding out what everyone else's role will be?


All the best.

Paul.

Yeah mine says the same

Still waiting on this email.

Yeah, I'm a NE2 Team Member with my role being Openreach Network Engineer.

I havent heard from travel team yet have you Cal550

Not yet. Around 2 and a half weeks to go, should be soon...

I am guessing friday or monday?

Hope so, also still haven't got that email...

I would chase it up if I was you give them a ring, then you wont get fobbed off.

Aye, good shout, do that tomorrow, might also send an email off to the general new hire team email to ask about the travel arrangements?

If you hear anything let me know cheers.

I have just emailed the new hire team to find out about travel arrangements. Will let you know if I hear anything back.

Cal550 have you heard anything? I got an email back saying they will be in touch a week or so before you go.

Nope, no replies from my advisor or new hire team, think a phone call to my advisor is needed. Will probably get a similar email to yours regarding travel then. Weird when a previous email said 2-3 weeks.

Yeah mine says the same but depends on how many courses they are running and how many people they get through I am guessing.

Yeah got the email now, just my licence and clothing.

My advisor must just be quicker than yours at getting me to do things.

He did say he'd sent it earlier in the week, but it never arrived, so just phoned earlier and he resent it, also asked about the travel and he confirmed it will be next week, although he did add that it would be train tickets and travelling on Sunday evening, although for me coming down from Inverness I assume it will be much earlier in the day!

Yeah that will be a long train ride I aint to bad as I am only going down from York. You will have to drive all the way back up on the friday.

Depending how late they will pick up from Stone (going by other people's experience) there's a couple from Inverness that get into Stone around 7 or 9 on Sunday night. Yeah, I don't mind the driving, it's just that it's my first time driving something bigger than a Clio haha. Also there's less rear visibility.

No rear vis at all I am ok just to van drive and I also drive hgvs so should be ok lol. Yeah it looks like they pick you up about 7ish.

Cal550 let me know if you hear anything?

Got my train sorted out

Adjust the wing/door mirrors carefully!

Yeah I got an email this morning to call someone, trying to but it's busy, everyone must be sorting it out today!

Just got through, turns out I am getting a flight, then a train from Manchester!

In reply to a post by Cal550:

Just got through, turns out I am getting a flight, then a train from Manchester!

It'll be whatever is the cheapest method of transport. Train prices, as I'm sure you'll know, can be crazy expensive if booked close to the time.

What sort of timescale was there between you applying for a position on the BT careers website to actually hearing something back, I applied some time back but not heard anything back. I am in Glasgow.

Yeah, saves me around eight hours on trains though, 1 and a half hour flight instead.

I got a reply for a phone interview around two weeks after my application went in.

Yeah thats alot better Cal550 what time do you get to stone? I applied in may and got my telephone interview end of july.

Get into Stone at 18:07 off the train from Stoke on Trent. Only problem is they've spelled my name wrong on the flight ticket, I'm Calum but they've put Callum, pretty sure even that can mess things up at check in, I can't change it though so hopefully they can easily?

You on the manchester to stoke train on 17.07? Ring them up tomoz and theyll sort it out.

Yeah I emailed them back after I phoned Flybe.
It's a Virgin service, leaves Manchester Picadilly at 17:15 and gets to Stoke at 17:49?

Mine is cross country leaves at 17.07 arrives stoke 17.42

Hi guys!

Came across this forum via google as I'm looking for help and tips for the assessment day, I have read through 3 threads now and some great info to be had so thanks for that!

Just wonder if anyone could share on what kind of questions I can expect during the assesment, i have never experienced anything like an assessment so I am incredibly nervous! I currently work on the BT network as a contractor, the AAP contract replacing D Poles and have numerous BT accreditations such as cable jointing, pole climbing, dropwire and Ariel cable termenations etc but have been told none of this will really matter if i can't nail the customer service part of the assessment so I'm kinda freaking out about it


Cheers

Also as I side note I think every person in the previous thread has passed the assessment day so don't want to be the 1st to fail it lol

Also as I side note I think every person in the previous thread has passed the assessment day

Ah, but you already have something none of them will have for ages ......

cable jointing, pole climbing, dropwire and Ariel cable terminations

Confidence to actually do the required work.

Yeah, I'm hoping they take that into account but a colleague told me they are more interested in customer service skills and say the stuff I know can be taught, maybe he just doesn't want to lose me haha

Just got some more details regarding induction and training, mostly confirming stuff we already knew. Has a rough timetable of the 9 weeks (last 3 1/2 just buddying).

Cal550 got the same just email and will hear next week to find out where phase 2 training will be taking place.

As you can do all of that you will nail the customer service skills BS easy.You have nowt to worry about.

Thanks for the encouragement mate, hope your right

But Zarjaz has been an OR engineer since long before OR existed. A pre-existing human resource asset, in corporate-speak.

If anyone wants to know what to expect when training let me know! Just on my 1st week buddying so im happy to help where I can

Hey Rick,

Checkout glassdoor for a review on openreach interview, you'll get some handy tips

I'll take his word for it then, just nervous about it but still got a bit of time to get up to speed with the customer service side of things

Thanks mate I'll check that out!

Cal550 do you know where you are doing your phase 2 after yarnfield?

Yeah confirmed as Livingston near Edinburgh

Was informed last week I was successful at the assessment day and will be starting in the role between Jan - March, looking forward to getting started. A completely different career to my current one.

Well done Adam, I too found out last week (friday) that I had passed the assessment but now waiting for training dates and locations to be announced. I'll receive a call when that happens. Over the moon I came through. I too got told it would be Jan to Mar. Jan, like yourself, would be ideal, like a new year present. Great start to the year.

Edited by deleted (Thu 27-Oct-16 23:28:09)

Good luck both .

It's really great watching this thread (and its predecessor) with so many people like yourselves made so happy.

Like yourself, I am impressed by the persistence in pursuing those jobs; and the happiness expressed by the individuals as progress is made.

I trust that all goes well for them.

Cheers lads. Thanks Jordan, you to. I found out on Friday aswell, did you have your assessment at Yarnfield on the Thursday by any chance? I would love to start in January but I won't be able to as my first baby is due to be born in Feb so March it is for me, seems so far off!

Edited by deleted (Fri 28-Oct-16 07:46:28)

In reply to a post by eckiedoo:

Like yourself, I am impressed by the persistence in pursuing those jobs; and the happiness expressed by the individuals as progress is made.

I trust that all goes well for them.

Well I know over the last few months,I have met 3 (2 guys and 1 girl) which were under the BT apprenticeship scheme, got talking to a couple of them and they were enjoying learning completely new stuff.

Paul

HI Adam. No it was Wednesday. Wow. What a happy house yours must be now. A baby and a great new job. Hope all goes well on both fronts.

Hope it all goes well for you guys , i have been doing it for over 20 years now and if you can get over all the stats [censored] management come out with , and there is lots of it it can still be a good job. You get to go and see anywhere a phone line / BB can be and always interesting to see behind the scenes ! And get to meet lots of people , most are great and some great stuff to chat about . Then there are a very , very few About i will not say on here .

Thanks for all the advice folks. Passed the training day now waiting on being found a position and then I'll be formally offered a job

Can't wait to get started and join the team!