BT are on the look-out for new recruits in the Largs area as part of a major expansion programme.

Openreach have announced a major increase of its engineering workforce with plans to recruit 195 trainees in Scotland in its drive to improve customer service and invest in the operation of its network.

The local network business, which is part of BT Group, will be seeking recruits to fill the new, full-time and permanent roles to extend its fibre broadband network, improve customer service and keep the north of Scotland connected.

It is part of a UK-wide initiative to hire 1,500 trainee engineers over the next eight months. Openreach expects to create 22 new jobs in Ardrossan, Greenock, Gourock, Largs, Ayr, Cumnock, Kilmarnock, Dumfries and Stranraer.

In a ground-breaking approach to recruitment, potential candidates will be able to discover exactly what life as a field engineer involves, with the help of virtual reality (VR). The company is trialling a VR experience which enables interested applicants to don a headset and experience climbing a telephone pole or exploring the local exchange building in immersive 3D, from the perspective of a real engineer.

Across the UK it is expected that an initial intake of 119 recruits will join the company in April, followed by around 60 new recruits joining each week through to mid-October. New trainees will embark on a tailored 12 month accredited learning programme - including on-the-job experience and culminating with the attainment of an externally recognised qualification for IT, Software and Telecoms professionals.

Fraser Rowberry, general manager for Openreach in Scotland, said: “We know from past experience that Scotland is an excellent place to recruit skilled and motivated people, who make great engineers. Openreach is able to offer them a rewarding career in an exciting and fast moving industry.”

Find out more at www.btplc.com/Careercentre/careersatbt/openreach/Engineers/index.htm