TELECOMS network specialist Openreach plans to recruit more than 100 apprentice engineers in Northern Ireland over the next nine months.
The company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group, is currently helping build the infrastructure for a full fibre broadband network across the north, which is seen as a key component in supporting economic recovery.
The move doubles the number of apprentice opportunities on Openreach’s 2019 intake and is seen as a substantial investment in the local economy.
Openreach recently reached a milestone of having 360,000 homes and businesses (40 per cent of the network) able to access full fibre broadband, and its aim is to have 60 per cent coverage (525,000 premises) by the end of next March.
The company's regional director Mairead Meyer said: “Our strength is our people, and we’re incredibly proud of the skilled and diverse team of over 1,000 Openreach people in Northern Ireland.
“These new recruits will join our dynamic engineering team at a really interesting time for us and help support our ambition to deliver the best possible connectivity to everyone everywhere.
“We are continuing to build full fibre broadband to over 750 homes and businesses every day, and I'm delighted that, in the midst of the current situation, we are still able to progress with our apprenticeship development programme, doubling the number of places available from last year.”
CBI regional director Angela McGowan said: “Openreach's apprenticeship scheme trainees will help deliver infrastructure essential to drive long-term growth in the region and keep it at the forefront of digital technology. It will help develop key skills needed by employers as well as support economic recovery.”
The apprentice programme runs over 18 months, and on completion, in conjunction with Belfast Metropolitan College, all participants are awarded an NVQ.
Applications have opened for the current apprentice intake at www.btplc.com/Careercentre/earlycareers/apprentices/ourprogrammes/engineeringservices/index.htm
