Welsh internet provider Ogi, which is deploying a gigabit speed Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband ISP network to homes and businesses across South Wales, has developed a new bespoke and in-house 8-week fibre engineer training programme and the first recruits have just completed the course.
The new training programme is said to be made up of a mix of regulatory e-learning modules, peer-led training and a ‘last mile’ practical assessment pilot facilitated by Future Networks Training (FNT). All new engineers are also being equipped with customer service skills.
All new engineers start with a ‘buddy’, learning on the job as they progress through the Ogi-led induction programme. From classroom-style training covering regulatory modules and the health and safety principles to on-site practical training, all new engineers undertake the programme before a planned final five day ‘last mile’ validation course at FNT’s bespoke training facility outside Bristol.
During the final assessment, engineers are tasked with a series of real-world scenarios including block paving, soft verge and asphalt reinstatement, work at height, accessing aerial subscriber nodes (ASNs), and the connection of an optical network terminal (ONT) to a property.
Ogi’s Director of Service Operations, Louise Healey, said:
“This peer-led approach makes sure we equip new recruits with not only the necessary regulatory practices from day one, but with an understanding of our company culture and approach to excellent customer service too – something that’s really important to us at Ogi.
It’s all about teamwork and trusting each other out in the field, and back at base. By encouraging people to share knowledge, we’re not only continuously upskilling existing engineers, but creating a collaborative and supportive team environment across the business too. It’s really unique, I think – and is helping us embed engineers with the skills and confidence they need much quicker than before.”
Ogi states that an average of 3 new employees join them every week, although it’s unclear how many engineers will ultimately benefit from the new programme.
Ogi’s Rollout Locations:
➤ Bridgend: Caerau, Cwmfelin, Garth, Llangynwyd, Maesteg^, Nantyffyllon, Pencoed^, Porthcawl^
➤ Caerphilly: Blackwood^, Cefn Fforest, Cefn Hengoed, Fleur-de-lis, Hengoed^, Pengam, Ystrad Mynach, Maesycymmer, Pontllanfraith, Tir-y-Berth, Woodfieldside.
➤ Cardiff^
➤ Monmouthshire: Abergavenny^, Caerwent, Caldicot^, Chepstow, Crick, Monmouth^, Portskewett, Rogiet, Sudbrook, Undy.
➤ Newport: Langstone, Llanvaches^, Underwood^.
➤ Pembrokeshire: Haverfordwest^, Johnston, Milford Haven^, Neyland^, Pembroke^, Pembroke Dock^. Tenby^.
➤ Rhondda Cynon Taf: Cymmer, Dinas, Llwyncelyn, Mount Pleasant, Porth^, Tonyrefail^*, Tonypandy^*, Trebanog, Trehafod, Ynyshir.
➤ Torfaen: Griffithstown, New Inn, Pantymoile, Penygarn, Pontypool^, Sebastopol, Trosnant, Wainfelin.
➤ Vale of Glamorgan: Dinas Powys^, Llantwit Major^, Rhoose^, St Athan.
^Local Network Exchange