Jobs and Careers Winter 2022/23 - 142

Improving diversity
W
hen we found
ourselves suddenly
isolated in lockdown,
the importance of the
connectivity provided
by the telecoms industry came to the fore.
Stuck at home for weeks on end, telecoms
- the exchange of information over
distances by electronic means - suddenly
became the focus of our lives.
From staying in touch with loved ones
to working from home, shopping online to
keeping up to date with the latest news, the
telecommunications industry is a vital part
of 21st century life. Telecoms is what makes
everything from phone calls and voice
messages to emails and virtual meetings
possible, allowing individuals to stay in
touch and businesses to communicate with
customers, staff and suppliers.
As a crucial part of the country's
infrastructure, the industry will prevail
even in difficult economic times. In fact, it
It's widely recognised that gender disparity is a problem
for the telcoms industry. " As it stands, women make up
an average of 35% of the workforce across five leading
telco organisations in the UK, " says Roei Haberman,
SVP Sales Transformation & Head of Telco, Media and
Technology (TMT), NTT DATA UK. " This figure points to a need
for change. Fortunately, the telecoms industry is stepping up
to the challenge, introducing impactful initiatives to recruit
and nurture female talent, " she says.
One example is BT's TechWomen programme, which has
so far helped over 2,500 of BT's female technologists. " It
builds courage and promotes collaboration so that women can
support each other in reaching their career goals. " says
Rachel Higham, former Managing Director of IT at BT.
Meanwhile Vodafone aims to become the best employer for
women by 2025. Its Reconnect Programme supports people
returning to work after a career break. Those on the programme
benefit from flexible working arrangements, support from a
mentor, and access to internal learning resources. So far, over
430 women have benefitted from the scheme.
Another important initiative is The WICT Network UK. It
collaborates with industry experts to host events and offer
networking opportunities for its members.
It's estimated that one in 20 people
working in the UK are in the industry
generated over £31bn in revenue in 2021,
according to the latest figures from Statista,
just slightly down on the previous year. It's
estimated that 1.5 million people* - or one
in 20 people working in the UK - is either
directly employed in telecoms or works in a
supporting role in the industry.
Giant companies such as BT, Siemens,
Verizon and Vodafone have a large presence
in the UK, and you can also work at
hardware telecoms manufacturers such as
Dell and Cisco, software tech firms such
as WhatsApp and Skype, and many others.
There are also opportunities at Ofcom, with
its wide-ranging remit to represent the
interests of citizens and consumers in the
broadcasting, postal and communications
industries. With the launch of 5G, there
Wellness in telecoms
The Communications Workers Union - www.cwu.org - provides support
to telecoms employees. Initiatives include its harassment helpline (0800
090 2303), where those experiencing bullying and harassment in the
workplace can seek confidential advice and support.
The CWU also promotes a positive agenda around disability issues.
It elects an NEC Disability Lead whose primary purpose is to highlight
disability issues with the Union's NEC (National Executive Council).
The CWU also holds a number of events which are designed to develop
awareness on disability issues in the workplace and wider society. It also
produces a range of factsheets covering maternity rights, for example,
and provides support to LGBTQ+ members.
142 /// JOBS & CAREERS /// jobsandcareersmag.com
are also an increasing number of new
opportunities opening up. Read on to
discover some of the careers open to
you in telecoms.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
ADVISER
Helping customers set up systems, solving
their billing queries and advising them
on improvements and changes to their
service are vital to the continuing success
of a telecoms company. As the first point of
contact for most customers, you effectively
represent the company and how you deal
with issues will affect their reputation.
What qualifications and skills do I need?
Communication skills are a given, along
with a calm and pleasant phone manner.
The ability to multi-task is important,
especially as you become more experienced
and deal with more complex calls. You
will also need a flexible approach to
working hours - taking customer calls isn't
a nine-to-five job.
How much can I earn? Starting salaries are
usually around the £18,000 mark, but there
are opportunities for career progress, and
managers can make around £38,000.
Words: Trish Lesslie * Career Transition Partnership
https://www.cwu.org/ https://www.jobsandcareersmag.com/
Jobs and Careers Winter 2022/23

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Jobs and Careers Winter 2022/23
