Colin Bell

Job title: Frame Technician
Business Unit: Openreach
Joined:  November 1989

I’ve been here for almost 17 years, so I’ve seen a lot of technology come and go. BT makes sure you have all the training you need so I’ve done a lot of learning over the years to adapt to new systems and built up new skills.

My job today involves connecting new telephone lines and repairing faulty ones inside the exchange.  Our team works with all the UK Telephone Service Providers and we also liase with other departments across BT to have the lines tested, receive more information on tasks or get access to new equipment. We also deal with the external engineers, as they provide or repair the lines and deal direct with the customer to make sure their line is working to their satisfaction. This working with other people both inside and outside the organisation is the best part of my job - communication skills are more important in engineering than you might think. 

My working environment has certainly changed over the years and this is usually shaped by the arrival of new technology. You find that your responsibilities change and that more is expected of you in terms of output and quality. It is not simply a case of change being imposed on us, though - you get to influence the process. You’re encouraged to bring up issues at team talks or with your manager and all you have to do is keep it on the agenda until you get the right outcome. 

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