Openreach seeks 500 recruits across Scotland

Around 500 jobs are being created in Scotland this year as a telecoms firm looks to boost its ranks as it continues the rollout of next generation broadband.

Openreach will create the positions, including around 390 apprenticeships, as part of its biggest recruitment drive in its history.

But chief executive Clive Selley said Openreach has “much more to do in an industry that hasn’t been very diverse historically”.

One of those recruits was Spartans FC player Alana Marshall, 34, from Dunfermline in Fife, who was a dog walker before making the switch into engineering.

“I’ve always been interested in engineering and wanted to have a good job for my daughter,” said the semi-professional footballer, who has been capped for Scotland.

“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.

“I’d tell other women considering engineering to go for it, never have any doubt that you can’t or shouldn’t be doing a job like this. We are just as capable.”

Sixty-five jobs will be available in Fife and Ayrshire, 55 in Edinburgh and Glasgow, 40 in Angus, Dundee and the Highlands and islands, and 30 in Stirling and the Scottish Borders.

“During the pandemic I lost my dad, which made me decide to take life into my own hands and make it a little more exciting,” she said.

“I want to do something that excites me and is different every day.”

Mr Selley said: “We want to reflect the communities we serve and give opportunities to people from all backgrounds, so 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.”

The company is creating 4,000 jobs across the UK as part of the recruitment drive.