To get an idea of the scale of Openreach's business, you really are talking telephone numbers. It employs 35,000 staff, is investing £13 billion in upgrading the UK's digital network and builds, maintains and manages about 190 million kilometres of cable.

The company's engineers are its most visible public face but there are also careers in data science, business analysis, project management and service support. It has been investing heavily in training and skills, creating 12 new regional training facilities.

The business, which serves homes, businesses, hospitals and schools, is keen to recruit engineers as it continues the huge task of delivering faster, more reliable “full fibre” broadband. Its customers include BT, Sky, TalkTalk and Vodafone.

Openreach rewards employees' achievements through its Superstars scheme and provides a package of benefits to all staff and a confidential, free support helpline. They are encouraged to take part in community activities and everyone can use up to three days a year to volunteer, assisting charities and community groups.

It is committed to developing a more inclusive workforce and set up Pride, Gender Equality and Ethnic Diversity networks, which are made up of people from all levels of the company. Openreach wants to attract more women and people from diverse communities and, once they have been recruited, support them with career development opportunities.

It is a member of EngineeringUK, a not-for-profit organisation that works to increase the number and diversity of young people choosing academic and vocational pathways into engineering.