Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

I very much like the networking side of the computer industry, and I would like to work for an ISP, such as Virgin. However, I've heard that working as a technician who implements the infrastructure has very unsociable hours. Is this true?

Also, what experience or qualifications would be needed?

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

Curious, how much pay do VM techies get?

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

contractors or real engineers with actual experience and qualifications ??

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

Thats out of order ! DO NOT tar all contractors with the same brush!

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

Belive me if you see what some of our contractors get up to and get away with it :D Yes there are good contractors but they seem to be a bit thin on the ground these days :confused:

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

i was only trying to validate the "techys qualifications" i have lots and earn loads ,where as some of the flotsam that drifts thru our contract partners isnt worth paying ,thats just my opinion of course based on my mere 29 years experience,and my constant battle to keep the network from being destroyed by cowboys who dont have a clue , bodge it n scarper doesn't do it for me.

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

Bodge it n scarper doesnt do it for me either, I have several qualifications under my belt all which ive worked very hard at. Dont get me wrong with the short space of time ive been with the contract partner ive seen some shocking things but doing different parts of the job Ive seen alot more of the services techs being more bodge it n scarper. But hey, different parts of the country clearly have different standards. We have a good team down here on the contract side of things thats for sure.

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

And live in India

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

Both :P

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

;) every night i pray for this


i can only comment on my own area (glasgow) but i reckon almost every guy in the place probably dreams the same dream

guys off with stress! guys off long term sick and guys just pig sick

managers who are unable to educate let alone motivate


i have to say that if the service techs in glasgow had the same attitude as the company seems to have! there would be one hell of a lot more unhappy customers out there........we do our best (probably like all the guys in the country) under the most difficult of conditions.

i should point out i am not speaking on behalf of the glasgow techs!!!! its only my opinion as an individual

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

Can i ask this question please:

When I raise an issue with VM and I get one of their untrained clowns in an indian call centre, I then start raising my voice and insist on being put through to someone who knows exactly what they are doing and exactly what I am talking about, and usually I am then immediately transferred to someone who is very competent and very skilled at finding the cause of the problem and putting it right.

Who are those people, what is their job title ? I mean I have discussed dns servers with them, and proxies TCP/IP and routing tables and all sorts and they know what I mean - and I wouldnt mind working for VM doing that job
how do i go about that please? I have a lot of experience, but have been working in computer installations since the age of 16 so I have few qualifications and none really that are relevent today. Would age exclude me - I am over 40, or would having no industry quals exclude me?
I am sure at an interview there wouldnt be anything they could ask that I couldnt answer

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

Sounds like 2nd line support in Liverpool..

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

'untrained clowns' - charming attitude, welcome to the ignore list :(

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

Great thank you very much. I appreciate that.
Anyone who thinks those indian call centres do a good job is clearly not going to have any sense to make in a decent technical conversation.

thanks

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

If they were mostly Liverpool accented, yes, I've met them and they do know their stuff. Personally I'd like to see them brought in as an integral part of the business charged with passing on their knowledge to new recruits and acting as a liaison to identify root causes and work with the network engineers etc. to provide fixes before people ring in.

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

I think that would be a great idea. The trouble with a lot of large organisations seems to be IMO that they do not fully utilise, or appreciate, their best assets.

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

1: Your not alone in thinking this. A large percentage of techs in the area i work in would snap their hands of for a redundancy payment.

2: Same in our franchise.

3: Very True, But their also very good at bullying.

I'd also like to add that with the recent introduction of service technicians doing installs and only being allotted 30 minutes per install (even if it's a single, duel or triple) there will be a hell of a lot more techs going of with stress and exhaustion. Oh and i did want to raise this point with my manager, but he refused to speak to me. That really says it all.

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

1.same here
2.same here
3.same here
there is an escalation process,if your manager refuses to see you you must report this to your HOD,also,inform the union and H(uman) R(emains) ;)

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

You need to spend a week on installs mate.

We regularly get 9 jobs per day.

The other day i had 4 triples, 4 duals and a single. Try doing that to standard in winter daylight hours. It is very stressful, there are NO breaks or lunch hours just racing around all day.

And the fact that service techs are now highlighting PD (performance) issues on elf's there is further pressure. And this costs us money!

Service techs have had it easy in the past, or maybe i should say had it easier than install techs, and it seems you are about to join us on the stress stakes.

We all need a break!

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

We all need a break![/QUOTE]

Cant agree more! A permanent break!

Thats why i have no sympathy for anyone who did not get a job working for VM. To you guys who tried and failed! Its a blessing in disguise. And good luck in finding a decent company to work for who will appreciate and value your effort.

From girls/guys who answer your phone calls through installs/service and maybe even network! I would never recommend working for this company in any capacity.

To anyone thinking of applying :shocked::shocked::shocked: DONT!!!! I guess someone might think i am just having a rant for the sake of it! And i guess i wouldnt blame you! But to anyone thinking of applying for a job with VM? I would suggest stopping any of the VM vans and just ask the guys what its like.

If u get a positive response from anyone i will go buy a hat just so i can eat it!

Congrats to the lucky ones who did not get a job in here! You might not think it! But let me assure you its the best thing that ever happened to you.

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

Hey mate!, I did 4 years on installs before becoming a service tech (like a majority of the current service techs), back in the days when every job had to be pulled in, it was extremely rare you got a pre-wire.

So before you start making assumptions, just stop and think.

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

Yeah but you didn't get 10 jobs and it was only ever analogue and telco.
I am not saying you didn't have it hard back in the day but right now service techs have it easy compared to installed.

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

This thread died a death didn't it? I guess we had a lucky escape not getting a job, not many people singing virgins praises are there?

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

Does anyone know which contractors virgin use to install in the bradford/leeds area?

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

Kelly communications is one of them - however, i wouldnt advise working for them :)

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

Thanks mate, i had vm install a box in my sons bedroom and i was chatting to the guy who did it and he worked for a company i had never heard of (he was in vm uniform and van) it was something or other electronics as far as i can remember and he said it was a good place to work. 7 jobs a day and i think he said £20.00 per job six days a week!

thats £800.00 plus a week if im not mistaken, surely that cant be right or can it?

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

I had a phone interview with them - they tend to be a rip off, they take big chunks out of wages for tools, kit etc - they don't seem to care about the company - also, others have reported, delays in wages etc etc

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

I know one thing for sure it wasnt kelly communications!!!!!!;)

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

It was more than likely 6 jobs a day anymore he will get £20 per job, but so he will do his 6 jobs a day to earn basic wages, anymore he will get paid 20 a job. Well... thats how we work but its £10 instead.

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

sounds like Map electrics :)

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

Anyone know what they are like? The engineer gave me a contact number but the guy is on holiday all week! The fella who installed my system seemed a happy guy, it could do with the fact that the previous install he did bagged him a free xbox 360 from the customer!!!!

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

read this http://leakedmemo.com/an-open-letter...-virgin-media/

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

All I will say is I work for Avonline, I read that before I even applied for the job and im still there. I enjoy what I do, same with any job, you get your good and bad days but down here we have a great team who all look after each other when ever we can.

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

Yikes! I'm having second thoughts after Reading that, but has anyone on here actually worked or still works for Map?:shocked:

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

Why? Like I said above, I read that, then applied for the job with Avonline, its not as bad as that 'leaked memo' makes out!

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

anybody ever worked for Map electrics.

are they good to work for?

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

guess not ha ha ha!

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

I have seen an ad on totaljobs for a field tech in my area but when i click on the link it says no vacancies!

So are there vacancies at the mo or what?? ha ha

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

Check here for the latest vacancies vince vega

http://careers.virginmedia.com/

Duke

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

according to that site there are no vacancies in my area, so how come there are loads splashed all over the internet?
One ad was posted on monster at 12.08 today
confused.............

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

The above link is direct for Virgin media where as other places will be for an Agency. Stay clear from agencies

Duke

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

Thanks duke, but when you click on apply when using monster etc, it takes you directly to the virgin careers page that you linked me to!!!!

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

Hi Guys

Had my vm assessment on Monday and have already received confirmation that I have been offered a position.

Happy days good luck to you all. :D

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

I applied back in Jan 2010 for field tech installer and have still not heard a single thing back, anyone know how long it gets?

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

It does take a while you should give them a call and ask how your application is getting.

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

I cant seem to find a number on their website or anywhere do you have one for them?

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

I do its 08458801472. Good luck

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

I phoned that number to find out and the vacancy was closed!!

nice of them to tell me ha ha ha!

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

Hi there, its me again!
I have just had a phone interview for a field tech and was wondering if the recruitment process has changed since I last applied?

I have my second telephone interview on wednesday!!:shocked:

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

As far as I know it is. Just a heads up it was all it cracked up to be. Think very carefully I was feed all the crap how virgin has its values and ways, it was all crap. Nobody tried listening when you needed help it was more a case of just do it until you finish. If you have a family life consider it gone.

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

Glad it wasnt just me then :D

I wasted 7 months of my life with VM.

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

Just had me 2nd phone interview with vm as a access field technician any idea how long they keep you waiting before they get back to you with result of call

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

hey guys, 6 months ago i appied for a tech job in nottingham, had 2 phone interviews + a face to face interview, but didnt get the job, but ive just seen another position advertised and thinking of applying again, so ny question is...is it worth applying again after the last time or am i wasting my time, what are my chances this time ?

thx for any advice.

@hawkester, my last one i waited about 7 to 10 days if i remenber right

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

Got in at the third attempt, lasted six months and now glad to be out! Total nightmare!!

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

never, why was it so bad mate? Which area were you working in?

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

we have had alot of techs leave this year, well around 8 i think, due to the workload and long hours, i dont know how they expect total customer satisfaction and quality along with quantity. It does start to ruin you family life with the long hours trying to get the jobs done, as thats all they think about, {job completion rate}....
That said we have took on another 12 trainees so the job load shud decrease, altho i would put it done to the time of year.
And now ive been told if the tivo box is not in spec then you will not get paid for that job...

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

i got told something similar... that if the tivo is not in spec they will charge £20 to send someone out to fix it... a bit hard with a signal meter that only has 128 (low) and 402.75 (bb) but no high freq (720) lol

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

well we were told that they would take 11.00 pond off us , and our frequency is 155 and 747 between +3 and -3

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

It's quite a discussion in the office lol we have a choice of 2 high frequencies (Thames Valley) at the moment, 720 (Analogue) and 835 (Digital), the problem is no one knows which frequency is the right one... red tools has on one occasion that i know of reported 720 to be correct... as i said though my signal meter has neither so i can't see them :(... and i got a text from virgin saying -3 and +3 but in a meeting we were advised -6 and +6 lol so not too sure there :P

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

its hot air, how can they not pay you, what if there is a network fault. as long as i put a valid reason in notes i dont get in trouble, our area has changed to -6 to 6.

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

How much does a field tech pick up in wages I've applied waiting to here any help appreciated thanks

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

i take home roughly £480 - £550 per week (After tax and depending on the workload)

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

That's great how long u been working there and where are you located because I would say you would get more if you were in the south thanks John

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

Im located in the south (Thames Valley), do roughly 6 - 8 jobs a day

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

400-500 here in Notts

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

I feel sorry for anyone who works for VM. The service that we get is poor and no wonder people leave, We had an engineer who was complaining about other engineers, as he was losing his bonus and was doing twenty jobs a day.

No wonder there is so many problems.

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

You may be confusing contract techs with VM techs. There is a marked difference, the VM guys are on Virgin t's and c's and are treat very well and get a decent basic salary and an opportunity to earn a bonus based on quality metrics.

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

sounds like a numpty, you dont talk about things like that to the customers

---------- Post added at 10:27 ---------- Previous post was at 10:26 ----------

vm techs are treated very well contractors not so much

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

i have to agree with jb66 here, Virgin Service Techs get an excellent deal compared to us contractors...

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

Two grand a month after tax ? I thought techs where paid like 18k a year.

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

Some really good techs with low fault rates, who upsell and have high productivity are on over 35k after bonuses

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

I don't suppose you're one of them? :-P

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

I wonder how the superhub has affected peoples fault rates?

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

It was terrible at first as we kept going back to swap the hub as we cant fix wifi, now CS just post them out so it doesn't affect us as much. Same with faulty psus. Th only thing is they score us low for NPS as they think we never set up wifi properly which also affects bonus.

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

What and how much is a VIP pack?

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

£105

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

do u work for virgin media?
what they like to work for?
do u get free cable tv with all they channels and with 4 free boxes in hd and 3d? lol..

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

They have a very good staff package but whats the point of your last sentence - do you get that working for Sky?

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

no idea,i dont work for sky..

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

It's not free but very cheap, the only thing that's expensive is sports and movies as we pay full price for those. Half price virgin mobile too

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

nice one.. v'mob half price..
question for u..
with virgin mobile is it going 4G like orange/tmobile?

---------- Post added at 21:13 ---------- Previous post was at 21:03 ----------

on this cable forum is there a mobile forum on this to? i with o2 contract..

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

Possibility - http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/Sept2012/virg...this-year.html

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

nice one..thanx

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

I worked for VM last year between July and December.
Worst job I've ever had!

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

Any guys started working with VM recently? how you finding it?

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

Funny that, I have worked for them for years and it's the best job I have ever had

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

you do mean direct for VM and not through Fujitsu ?

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

I work for VM direct

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

Just depends on what you enjoy doing. I now work in a school as a teaching assistant and it's the best job I've ever had, then again I am only 20!

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

working for virgin is fantastic, so many benefits and so much variety

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

Indeed

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

Working in-house is great i agree, but working for the contractors is a joke :erm:

Re: Working as a tech for VM
 

thanks +1