ANOTHER 31 engineering jobs have been created by telecommunications giant BT, including in Bradford.

It means the group’s local network business, Openreach, has recruited 110 engineers regionally since the spring. The latest intake follows a recent drive to hire 1,600 engineers nationally, including 80 in Yorkshire.

The original recruitment drive attracted 26,000 applications – nearly 16 people for each job.

Around half of the latest recruits will focus on Openreach’s commitment to improve customer service. The rest will connect new housing developments and install high-speed broadband at medium-to-large businesses or provide maintenance services.

Tom Keeney, BT Yorkshire regional director, said: “For the second time in less than six months we are able to announce a boost to our engineering workforce in the region. This latest recruitment provides further evidence of our commitment to the region and to our customers.

“We are one of the largest investors in Yorkshire, both as a major employer and a provider of essential communications.

“The economic prospects for the region are continuing to improve and superfast fibre broadband, which we are rolling out across the region, will play a vital role in its future success.”

Most of the new roles are permanent jobs, while some are 18-month contracts. More than 200 of the UK recruits to date are ex-armed forces men and women.

The campaign has also boosted the number of female engineers at Openreach following a rise in applications from women wanting to become engineers