Digital network business to roll out another 250 jobs and apprenticeships

Openreach says it will create more than 250 more jobs in Yorkshire and the Humber during 2022 – including around 200 apprenticeships.

The new recruits will be working to build and connect customers to the company’s ultrafast Full Fibre broadband network. It is on track to reach 25 million UK homes and businesses by December 2026 including hundreds of thousands in Yorkshire and the Humber.

The hiring spree – 4,000 new jobs are being created across the UK – is part of the largest recruitment drive in Openreach’s history.

Openreach says it already employs the UK’s largest team of telecoms engineers and professionals, and has committed to building a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

Clive Selley, CEO, said: “I’m proud that we’re continuing to invest heavily in our people, having hired and trained more than 8,000 new engineers over the last two years.

“We’ve been building state-of-the-art training schools all over the country where we can teach people the skills and techniques they need for long, exciting and rewarding careers in engineering.

“I’m encouraged that we’ve recruited more women and minority groups this year compared to last year, but we’ve got much more to do in an industry that hasn’t been very diverse historically.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said: “I firmly believe in the importance of supporting women in STEM and am delighted to see Openreach doubling the number of women in trainee engineering roles last year.

“Investing in creating thousands of new jobs and apprenticeships will also boost our mission to level-up communities, support economic growth and give more people across the country the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge they need to fulfil their potential.”