OPENREACH today announced it will create and fill around 500 more Scottish jobs during 2022.
The digital network firm looks to create the roles – which include around 390 apprenticeships – as it continues to invest billions of pounds into its UK broadband network, people and training.
With a workforce of 3,700 across Scotland, Openreach has committed to building a more diverse and inclusive team.
Last year, 17% of the company’s intake of trainee engineers in Scotland was female, which the firm says is more than triple the previous year.
The new recruits will be based across Scotland – from the Highlands and Islands, across Dundee, the central belt and right down to the Scottish Borders.
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 CEO Clive Selley said: “Openreach is a people business first and foremost, so 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, over 800 of them across Scotland.
“We want to reflect the communities we serve and give opportunities to people from all backgrounds.
“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.
“These new recruits will play a crucial role as we continue to improve services for our customers and build the biggest and best broadband network in Scotland.”
Alana Marshall, 34, from Dunfermline, Fife was a dog walker before deciding on a change of career.
Also a semi-professional footballer, she currently plays for Spartans and has been capped for Scotland six times.
Alana said: “I’ve always been interested in engineering and wanted to have a good job for my daughter.
“I really love getting my hands dirty and with this job you certainly do.
“So far I’ve had positive customer reactions. I know I’ll come across some challenges in the future – I’m used to it with playing football.”
Alongside its recruitment drive, Openreach is aiming for at least 20% of its trainee engineer recruits to be women this year, with 50% of its external hires into management to be women by 2025.
