Working as a tech for VM - Page 7

vince_vega · 26-09-2008, 19:08

I was not bad mouthing, i was stating a fact from someones latest experience of dealing with a vm tech. I don't doubt he can do his job well but apparently his attitude stank.

This type of discussion is what forums are for are they not? At the min this is discussing why we think vm recruitment is a tad dodgy, so you wouldn't come here and expect all positive comments would you?

Yes i am a bit peeved about the whole affair but i will get over it! Like impz i am over Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â£100.00 (plus a days holiday) down for absolutely nothing to show for it apart from an automated e-mail telling us where to get off and all i said is that it would have been nice to get a phone call at least.

piggy · 26-09-2008, 19:48

to be fair people should of been told on the day,and given reasons.

vince_vega · 02-11-2008, 15:01

Are there any new starters on here willing to let us know how your getting on?

surfer100 · 02-11-2008, 19:12

Used to work for them about 2 yrs ago. At the time we were given the options of transfering to the contractors or resigning as they said redundancy was not an option. This must have been illegal as voluntary redundancy was then offered. It was such a great company to work for that everybody took redundancy, which i have no regrets. Reading the comments it looks like nothings changed and the tech that just grunted and groaned, has probably been there a while now and has been ground down. What you've been through with them already should serve as a warning. If you want to be a tec register with Sky, also keep an eye out for Openreach jobs.

JayJay · 02-11-2008, 19:28

Been there a while now and love it. done a range of things, and the whole training thing opened my eyes to how much is really involved in the job. Im out and about in my van, installing and sorting out problems. Its great. Can see myself being here for a long time.

surfer100 · 02-11-2008, 20:18

You haven't given many specifics.

It's this time of year and you have to be on your first job by 8 am. You get up at 6 and leave home at 6.30 getting to the yard at 7 to pick up your supplies, so that you can be at your first job at the appointed time. You have 8 jobs to do that day (4 am's 4 pm's). 2 triple installs (tv, phone and modem), 3 duals (2 tv and phone, 1 modem and phone) and 3 singles (2 tv and 1 phone). The first job is a triple in a terrace (no cellar), TV in back room along with the phone, modem in the front bedroom, customer also says that she asked for an phone ext in the front bedroom although it is not on your order (this you might as well do rather than spend 20 mins trying to get through to the office to confirm, when all they will do is add it to the order). The floors are all wooden, how would you wire this job, how long would you expect it to take, what signal levels are you expecting at cab, drop box and STB (you have 3 more morning jobs to do after this). What time do you complete your jobs. Your line manager will not get you any help if you fall behind and they will not pay overtime (you stay till the finish because you don't like letting people down, knowing that they have probably taken a day of work). Oh and its your fault if you don't take your dinner because we do allow half an hour during your for this.

You say you install and correct things. Contractors do the installing and in house do the service and repair.

I did say i was there 2 yrs ago, so granted things may have changed and if they have i appologize for my tone. I was there for over 7 yrs.

JayJay · 02-11-2008, 20:30

I am a contractor, as said, I work for Avonline. We also do service and repair.

I dont know how things was done at your place of work but its much more relaxed than what you have described, we have a brilliant team who are willing to help others out when they fall behind.

Are your questions retorical? are you telling me a story?

I think Your tone is a bit OTT, but you have to remember each area is different. Im fully aware of the the work load. I wasnt sent right into training and then let loose, I have been out with other guys for a few months as a trainee.

surfer100 · 03-11-2008, 15:46

I did think my tone was a bit strong, which is why i did appologize. Yes every area is different, but it does not sound like Avonline are the contactors where they applied, they must of known how much it cost them for the day and should have done more than send out a blanket e-mail to all those that were denied. It sounds like they had already decided who they wanted before the day started and they could probably guess who got the position. You paint a fantastic picture and i paint the opposite, the truth is its probably somewhere in between. I did enjoy the work, but the management isn't the best. The contractors where i worked were treated appallingly. I suppose it all depends on which contrator you are working for.

JayJay · 03-11-2008, 19:24

All Im going by is my own experience, I enjoy my job, I really do, and there are more of us down here that enjoy it. So they tell me. We have a fantastic team down here, couldnt be working with more down to earth, knowledgeable people. Management wise, well, I've got two of the best bosses I could ever ask for.

But again, like you said, all depends on the area and the contractor

vince_vega · 18-11-2008, 18:12

Will any of the announced redundancies affect any of the field techs?

CHiLL · 18-11-2008, 19:46

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?