Virgin Media O2 Boosts Field Engineering Workforce

Virgin Media O2 has opened applications for 125 field engineer apprenticeship positions as it continues to bring next-generation connectivity to more homes and businesses across the country.

The positions are available nationwide, including in London, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, Glasgow and Leicester.

Successful applicants will gain on-the-ground experience and skills, playing a key role in delivering connectivity across the country by installing broadband and TV services in customers’ homes, helping to maintain the largest gigabit network in the UK and optimising in-home WiFi so customers can make the most of their services.

All roles require no qualifications or prior experience, with Virgin Media O2 carrying out ‘blind recruitment’ to remove any potential bias from the shortlisting process and level the playing field for all applicants.

Virgin Media O2 invests heavily in this scheme, with each apprentice receiving training and support worth up to £7,000 throughout their programme. All field engineer apprentices work towards a Level 2 Telecoms Field qualification, learning the core skills they need for their future careers.

The apprenticeship scheme lasts 15 months, however every apprentice who successfully completes their scheme is guaranteed a role within the company.

In June 2021, Virgin Media O2 committed to creating 1,000 apprenticeship roles and since then the company has hired more than 500 apprentices in various roles, including network engineering, cyber security, and digital marketing. The company is investing more than £2 billion a year in its network and services.

Karen Handley, Head of Future Careers at Virgin Media O2, said: “At Virgin Media O2, our people make our ambition to upgrade the UK a reality which is why we’re committed to keep investing in jobs and skills at a time when it has never mattered more.

“Our incredible team of field engineers play an enormous role in keeping the country connected, so if you’re looking to earn whilst you learn and gain the skills you need for your future career, we’d love to hear from you – why not apply today.”

Virgin Media O2 has also recently introduced a range of best-in-class flexible leave policies to provide greater support for employees. This includes 26 weeks’ paid maternity or adoption leave, 14 weeks’ paid paternity leave to any new parent, and up to 10 days’ paid leave for those who have tragically experienced pregnancy loss. Virgin Media O2 is also one of the first UK businesses to offer both paid carer’s leave and neonatal leave.

In addition, the telecoms firm announced last month that it has introduced a cost-of-living payment totalling £1,400 for all employees earning a basic pay of £35,000 and under to assist with rising costs.