Field Engineer Apprenticeship

Virgin Media; Warrington; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading telecommunications provider seeks a Telecoms Field Operative Apprentice in Warrington. This role involves hands-on installation and testing of telecom networks, focusing on safety and efficiency. Candidates should possess good communication, problem-solving skills, and physical fitness. The apprenticeship offers a starting salary of £26,500, with benefits including holiday entitlements and a flexible benefits package.

Benefits

25 days holiday, increasing to 28 after 5 years

Bupa healthcare

Regional Bonus Scheme

Qualifications

• Good communication skills necessary for customer interactions.
• Detail orientation is important for accurate installations.
• Enjoys physical outdoor work in varying weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Carry out risk assessments before starting work activities.
• Identify the structure and composition of telecom network cables.
• Install and test components of the telecom network.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Customer care skills

Problem solving skills

Physical fitness

Education

Full driver’s licence

Job description

Responsibilities

• Carry out a risk assessment before starting work activities. Follow method statements.
• Identify the structure and composition of telecom network cables.
• Work from and interpret telecom network plans to identify plant or location.
• Work on and in various connection points in the telecoms network.
• Work in a safe manner and follow correct procedures when entering and working in the telecoms network in various environments, including overhead and underground.
• Select and use the appropriate equipment on a telecom network.
• Install and test components of the telecom network.
• Fault‑find and problem‑solve on the telecom network.
• Maintain safety standards whilst working towards the task objectives.
• Use personal protective equipment in a safe and appropriate manner.
• Use a variety of communication methods to interact with third parties to give/receive information accurately, in a timely manner in order to deliver the best possible experience.
• Identify and take appropriate actions when working around other utilities services.
• Working as an individual or as a member of a team to achieve defined goals.

Apprenticeship Details

This Level 2 Telecoms Field Operative apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to become skilled in your role, and combines on‑the‑job learning and academic study, where you'll spend approximately 20% of your working hours completing learning with one of our training providers. The programme is fully funded by us, and we’ll support you from day one. If required, you’ll also complete Functional Skills in English and maths. Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Qualifications and Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Physical fitness

Learning Outcomes

• Running & installing cables across different sites
• Adjusting signal levels and connections
• Configuring our advanced equipment
• Working at heights to install and update equipment on poles
• Working outdoors in all weather conditions – make sure you’re comfortable with physical, hands‑on work in changing environments

Vehicle Requirement

Got a full driver’s licence that allows you to drive one of our vans? Perfect! You’ll use it to reach customers across the region, delivering a friendly, knowledgeable service and linking them to what truly matters. You’ll also help expand our business by encouraging referrals – earn a £50 bonus for every new customer.

Company Overview

We’re Virgin Media O2. For over 20 years, we’ve grown our business on pioneers and big thinkers – and we remain at the cutting edge of fibre‑optic technology today. Through our multi‑award‑winning services, we connect millions of homes and businesses across the UK and Ireland. When it comes to employment vs education, our Apprentice Schemes don’t make you choose! We’re about supporting the wellbeing of our people, empowering you to learn and grow your potential, and making sure you bring your authentic self to work, every single day. 89% of our Future Careers workforce feel they have good opportunities to learn and grow at Virgin Media O2! We know what it means to be part of a team. Your job is more than the role you have, and we’re here to support you.

Salary and Working Hours

Wage £26,500 a year. You’ll receive a starting salary of £26,500, rising to £29,000 upon completion. After a qualifying period, we’ll also enter you into a Regional Bonsu Scheme. Hours: You’ll work an average of 37.5 hours per week on a rolling pattern, with shifts scheduled between 8 am and 8 pm. Once training is complete, you’ll move to a 4‑days‑out‑of‑7 working week. 38 hours a week. Start date: Wednesday 8 April 2026. Duration: 1 year 1 month.

Benefits

25 days holiday, increasing to 28 days after 5 years, plus your birthday off. Flexible benefits package – Bupa healthcare, up to 26 weeks’ paid maternity & adoption leave, plus generous paternity and neonatal leave … and plenty more.

Application Process

Our apprenticeship schemes are designed to give you the knowledge, skills, experience and exposure needed to succeed with us. The process consists of an application form, an online exercise, a telephone interview, a coaching call and an assessment centre.