Landing a solid job with Openreach can mean long-term stability, solid pay, and high chances for internal growth. Whether you’re looking to switch careers or finally step into the telecom sector, Openreach is actively hiring across the country — and some roles are easier to get into than you think.
🔍 What Are the Most In-Demand Roles at Openreach Right Now?
Currently, Openreach is hiring primarily for field-based and technical roles. Here are the top vacancies that not only offer great starting salaries but also come with full training:
1. Trainee Engineer (Field-Based)
- Location: Nationwide
- Salary: Starting from £24,000–£28,000/year, with potential to reach £32,000+ after full training.
- Requirements: No previous telecom experience required. Full driving licence is mandatory.
This is the most accessible role for job seekers with minimal experience. Training is provided, and tools and van are included in the package.
2. Fibre Network Delivery Engineer
- Location: Key cities including Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol.
- Salary: £30,000–£36,000/year, depending on experience.
- Requirements: Previous experience with cabling or network installation is preferred.
These roles are highly attractive for skilled workers in construction or engineering who want to transition into telecom.
3. Customer Service Network Planner
- Location: Hybrid (London, Reading, or fully remote options available).
- Salary: Around £27,000–£33,000/year.
- Requirements: Strong communication skills, basic technical understanding, and Excel proficiency.
This one is perfect if you’re not interested in a field role but still want to be part of Openreach’s nationwide expansion.
📌 You can explore current openings directly on the official careers page:
Openreach Careers Portal
🎯 How to Apply and Actually Get Noticed by Openreach Recruiters?
Applying is just the beginning. Want to be on top of the shortlist? Here’s how to stand out in the crowd:
📄 Tailor Your CV Around the Specific Vacancy
Make sure your CV reflects the exact skills listed in the job post. For example, for a Trainee Engineer, highlight:
- Manual or technical experience (even hobbies like car repairs or DIY help!)
- Physical fitness and ability to work outdoors
- Any customer-facing experience
Openreach values adaptability and willingness to learn more than perfect experience.
💡 Use Their Pre-Assessment Wisely
Most roles require a short online assessment. Treat it seriously. Practise beforehand using free UK-based test platforms like Practice Aptitude Tests UK to familiarise yourself with logical and numerical formats.
✍️ Craft a Personal Statement That Feels Genuine
A short paragraph that shows why you want to work specifically for Openreach — not just any job — can set you apart. Mention values like:
- Working in a company that builds UK infrastructure
- Passion for learning new tech
- Love for solving practical problems
🚗 What Are the Perks and Daily Life Like for Field Roles at Openreach?
People often wonder if these jobs are worth it long-term. The truth? They’re some of the most stable and benefit-rich roles in the UK for entry-to-mid level workers.
🧠 How Can You Get Qualified Quickly to Land a Role at Openreach?
Not everyone has technical experience, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of the running. Openreach invests heavily in training — and some prep on your part can fast-track your journey.
🛠️ Do You Need Experience in Telecoms?
No, especially for trainee or junior roles. Openreach prefers hands-on people with a proactive mindset. That means even if you’ve been:
- A delivery driver
- Warehouse staff
- Construction worker
- Or just enjoy practical problem-solving
…you already have transferable skills they want.
📚 Short Courses That Can Boost Your Application
If you want to go the extra mile and stand out in a pile of applications, there are short and affordable UK-based training options:
- City & Guilds – Basic Electrical Installation
Good foundation for understanding cables and safety. - Open eLearning – Fibre Optic Training (Level 1)
Available online and ideal for those targeting fibre roles. - The Skills Network – Customer Service Level 2 (Free in many regions)
A smart move if you’re going for planning or hybrid support roles.
Check local councils or job centres for funded training programmes if you’re currently unemployed or on Universal Credit.
🗺️ Where in the UK Are These Jobs Available Right Now?
Openreach has expanded massively in the past few years, and it’s still growing. The company is building networks across rural and urban locations — and that means thousands of new job openings.
🔥 Hotspot Areas for Hiring in 2025
Based on current recruitment trends and Openreach press releases, here are the top regions hiring now:
| Region | Common Roles | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Greater Manchester | Trainee Engineers, Fibre Techs | High volume of infrastructure work |
| South West (Bristol, Plymouth) | Field and Fibre roles | Expansion into rural broadband |
| Yorkshire (Leeds, Sheffield) | Engineers, Network Planners | Fast-track training options |
| Scotland (Glasgow, Aberdeen) | Customer service and field | Northern rollout plans active |
| South East (Kent, Reading) | Hybrid and planning roles | Remote options available |
Keep an eye out for pop-up hiring events in these regions. They often speed up application times and offer on-the-spot interviews.
💡 What’s the Day-to-Day Like in These Roles?
👷 Field-Based Trainee Engineers
You’ll be out on the road each day, visiting 3–5 customer sites to:
- Install broadband and fibre lines
- Troubleshoot faults
- Maintain or replace old copper networks
You’ll use equipment provided by Openreach and will have a dedicated team leader to support you through the first months
🧑💻 Office or Remote Planners
Your job is to ensure the right people get the right connections. You’ll:
- Check service coverage
- Schedule field engineer visits
- Communicate with local councils and developers
These roles are more technical over time, but Openreach provides the software training you’ll need to handle it with confidence.
📝 How Do You Apply for Openreach Jobs the Right Way?
If you want to avoid wasting time and actually get called back, it’s important to apply smartly — not just quickly.
📍 Where Are the Jobs Listed?
You’ll find the official Openreach job vacancies on their own career portal.
There, you can:
- Filter by location, role type and contract
- Set email alerts for new roles
- Apply directly in just a few clicks
You can also find Openreach vacancies listed on trusted UK job sites like:
But applying directly via the Openreach site often gives you faster response times.
🥇 How Can You Stand Out from Other Applicants?
Even though many roles don’t require prior telecom experience, the competition is still real. Here’s what can help you rise to the top of the shortlist.
✅ Tailor Your CV for the Role
Recruiters spend less than 30 seconds scanning each CV.
📸 Optional: Add a Short Video Introduction
More candidates are getting noticed by uploading 1-minute intro videos on platforms like LinkedIn or in their applications. Just use your phone and:
- Say your name
- Share your availability and experience
- Express your interest in joining Openreach
Confidence and clarity can often speak louder than a paper CV.
🧭 What Happens After You Apply?
Once you send your application, here’s what typically follows:
⏱️ Step-by-Step Recruitment Timeline
- Initial online application review
- Online assessment (situational judgement test)
- Video or phone interview
- In-person practical assessment (for technical roles)
- Final offer and onboarding
The entire process usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on location and role.
💬 What Qualities Is Openreach Looking For?
It’s not just about skills. Hiring managers are trained to look for traits that align with company values.
Here’s what can really help:
- Willingness to work outdoors or in different weather
- Being reliable and punctual
- Clear communicator
- Respectful with customers
- Fast learner and team player
If you highlight these things early on, you’re already one step ahead.
🎓 How to Get Qualified for a Role at Openreach
Even if you’re not experienced in telecommunications, there’s still a solid way in. Openreach is known for investing in new talent, and many of their current engineers started from scratch.
📚 Training Provided by Openreach
Once you’re hired, you’ll go through a comprehensive training programme that includes:
- Technical installation and repair skills
- Health and safety procedures
- Customer interaction techniques
- Hands-on learning with real-life tools
Training usually lasts 4 to 7 weeks, is fully paid, and happens in dedicated centres across the country.
🛠️ Pre-Application Courses (Optional but Helpful)
If you want to show you’re proactive, here are some short courses you can do before applying:
- Working at Heights Awareness (available on High Speed Training)
- Basic Electrical or Wiring Skills
- Customer Service Certificates (via The Skills Network)
These can give your CV a slight edge — and give you confidence going in.
🔄 Thinking About Changing Careers?
Openreach is a top choice for career changers in the UK, especially for those coming from:
- Delivery and courier jobs
- Construction
- Security services
- Customer-facing retail roles
These backgrounds often involve similar soft skills, such as:
- Working independently
- Solving problems in real time
- Handling difficult situations calmly
If that’s your case, you already tick several boxes.
🎯 Why So Many People Want to Work for Openreach
Let’s wrap up with why Openreach keeps drawing applicants month after month.
⭐ Strong Reasons Candidates Apply
- Secure, full-time contracts
- Paid holidays, pensions, overtime, and training
- Freedom to work outdoors, travel, and meet new people daily
- Clear promotion path and opportunity to move to roles like Planner, Network Designer or Supervisor
Many employees say it’s a role that gives them a sense of pride and purpose. Helping to build and maintain national broadband connections is no small thing — and Openreach genuinely recognises that.
✅ Final Checklist Before You Apply
Here’s what to make sure you’ve got ready:
- A short, tailored CV
- Clear email and phone contact
- Driver’s license (for field roles)
- Flexible availability
- A positive attitude to outdoor and physical work
Apply through the Openreach Careers Page and stay alert for updates. Jobs get filled fast — and the sooner you apply, the sooner you could be climbing into your first Openreach van.
