Openreach says it will create around 250 additional jobs across Wales during 2022 – including more than 200 apprenticeships.
The firm says it continues to invest billions of pounds into its UK broadband network - meaning extra workers are needed for the rollout.
The new recruits will be based across all parts of Wales, including Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Powys, Pembrokeshire, Swansea, Cardiff and Newport, working to build and connect customers to the company’s Full Fibre broadband network.
The mammoth build is on track to reach 25 million UK homes and businesses by December 2026 and has already reached more than 425,000 properties in Wales.
With a workforce of around 2,300 across Wales, Openreach already employs the nation’s largest team of telecoms engineers and professionals and said that it has committed to building a more diverse and inclusive team in an industry that’s "traditionally been very white, male dominated".
Last year, the company attracted 50 women into trainee engineering roles in Wales.
Clive Selley, CEO, Openreach, 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.
“These new recruits will play a crucial role as we continue to improve services for our customers and build the biggest and best broadband network in Wales and the rest of the UK, covering millions of rural and urban homes.”
Vaughan Gething, Wales’ Economy Minister, said: “The Welsh Government wants to create a fairer and more prosperous Wales, where nobody is left behind. So I’m delighted Openreach are creating 250 new jobs across Wales, supporting our aim of creating new high-quality jobs in the industries and services of the future.
“I’m also delighted see more than 200 new, high-quality apprenticeships being created, providing invaluable opportunities for people from all sectors of society to start a rewarding career in engineering. This will support our mission of ensuring people are able to make their future here in Wales.”
