As we take up the challenge of providing Full Fibre to UK homes in order to deliver the vision of a Gigabit Britain, our team of nationwide FTTP (fibre to the home) engineers are busy connecting homes and businesses throughout the UK.
With the UK’s 2025 copper network switch-off fast approaching; the Group has put a significant investment behind a comprehensive recruitment campaign and training enabling us to upskill and mobilise FTTP engineers nationwide.
Our multi-skilled FTTP engineers are a vital part of the rapid build-out of the UK’s fibre network as they are trained to provide bespoke solutions for residential customers and businesses through the installation of fibre networks.
FTTP installations involve the installation of broadband on a fibre network that boasts the highest internet transfer speed and guarantees a low loss of signal. The fibre connection starts at an exchange inside a splitter which splits the main connection into 32 individual fibre connections, then goes to a CBT (connectorised block terminal) which can be found either underground or on the top of a pole. This can be approx. 70m away from the house and it is the FTTP engineer’s job to connect the network to the ONT (optical network terminal) inside customer houses.
The Group is thrilled to introduce a selection of our FTTP engineers whose dedication and hard work contributes towards the transformation of networks nationwide; Nathan Chilvers, James Timmons, and Samuel Haywood.
Nathan Chilvers – FTTP Engineer
“I started working for Kelly Group as an FTTP engineer in February 2021. Previously I was a diesel technician however I wanted to change my career path. When I found the opportunity, I thought the job description was appealing as it involved tasks that I’ve never done throughout my career before such as climbing a pole and learning about networks.
So far, I find my job enjoyable and the fact that I can manage my own time during the day is fantastic.
Every day is very different- I have completed approx. 1000 jobs now and not one was the same which keeps the role interesting. Every building requires a different position for the router which makes the introduction of cables fun.
We provide services to connect both residential customers and businesses. Connecting a business can be a little more challenging because these buildings tend to be made of tougher materials which make a simple drilling task more complicated.
What I love about my job the most is meeting new customers and getting to know them. They all have a different story and lifestyle which intrigues me - once I had the pleasure of meeting a professional boxer. My initial training course taught me the basics however, I learned the most from my engineer buddies. They have demonstrated everything with a clear explanation of how to complete each step then they let me practice under their watch.
The proudest achievement as an engineer is developing resilience and the ability to complete jobs without failing them first. I always try my hardest to complete each install to the best of my ability ensuring all customers get connected successfully.
I would recommend joining Kelly Group because engineers are respected for our hard work which drives us to complete each install to the highest standards.
Both Jamie and Kevin are amazing managers who do everything in their power to ensure engineers thrive within their roles. I can also rely on fellow engineers for support. I can personally see a long-term career within Kelly Group as the industry is constantly changing and there’s always something new to learn. “
James Timmons – FTTP Engineer
“I joined Kelly Group in January 2021 as an FTTP engineer. I thoroughly enjoyed the training process at the North London National Training Centre; I thought it was in-depth and informative. They taught me everything I needed to start my journey as an FTTP engineer, and the entire training team is always available if we have any questions.
Each residential and business install is different, and I need to adopt a different approach at each property to ensure the install is successful. I complete new provisions, which means I am involved with internal and external works including running the cable to the property, fitting the internal parts, connecting the modem, connecting the customer, and ensuring they have a good connection after completion.
I like how diverse my role is. Every job is different with new challenges and ways of pulling cables to the area where the customer chooses to have their modem installed.
I started my career with no previous experience within the telecoms industry and have developed the essential knowledge and skills throughout my training period. During one of the national lockdowns, I had a lot of time to think about what I wished to achieve within my future career. At the time I was working as a watch expert for a well-known jewellery brand, and I knew it wasn’t the right career path for me. I used to take up small projects around the house which inspired me to pursue a career as a telecoms engineer and encouraged me to apply for the position at Kelly Group. Throughout my journey, everyone was so supportive from trainers to my current Team Managers. They provided everything that was needed to ensure my success from tools to uniforms. We have a group chat for all engineers working within the area; where we support each other if the other comes across a difficult install. I know I’ve a lifelong career at Kelly Group.
Future engineers shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help and should take their time learning.
Speed will only cause mistakes; when the assigned install is difficult you just need to take a step back
and consider how to approach each step of the install.
You have a support system available throughout your Kelly Group journey.”
Samuel Haywood - FTTP Engineer
"I started my journey with Kelly Group in May 2021. Previously I was a service engineer repairing power tools however, I worked in many different trades throughout my career and developed the right mindset and skills to become a successful telecoms engineer.
I am the first point of contact for customers when they order their broadband online or over the phone therefore, I find it extremely important to explain the work that I will be undertaking at their property step by step. Every property requires a different approach when I introduce the connections, as they could start underground or overhead. I’ll finish the process by splicing fibre optics from the cable inside the property to the cables fed from the source outside.
I take pride in every install, and I aim to complete each job to the highest standards ensuring I leave a satisfied customer with an excellent network connection. If a connection fails within 7 days from the day of the install, we call it an ELF (Early Life Failure). I complete each install precisely which has led to successful installs throughout my time with Kelly Group and I am extremely proud that I never had an ELF failure. My proudest moment as an FFTP engineer so far is when I completed 9 jobs in one day. Speed comes with experience, and it feels incredible to know that I can complete a large number of installs in a day.
What I enjoy about my job is the opportunity to train new-to-field engineers. I feel honoured that regardless of my young age the Group trust my skills with this important task.
This has contributed a lot towards my FTTP engineer journey as I gained a good sense of self-confidence. I used to create barriers with my mindset which set me back in my career a little bit, however thanks to Kelly Group I stopped doubting my capabilities when I get a new task assigned and trust my abilities to complete it successfully.
Every manager I have had, has been amazing throughout my journey, they all went above and beyond for me, and it paid off because I know I can always count on them.
I want to be the best engineer I possible can be.
If you are a young individual who is looking for a great opportunity and you’re hard-working and responsible - Kelly Group is the right fit for you. You will need to work hard and learn the trade, but the opportunities are endless within the company.”
Kelly Group has multiple career opportunities throughout the UK. We are always searching for talented individuals to represent our brand.
For more information, please call the Kelly Recruitment team on 02084247447.
Alternatively, you can view current vacancies by visiting our careers page.
