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Openreach says it will create around 250 additional jobs across Wales during 2022 – including more than 200 apprenticeships.

The firm says it continues to invest billions of pounds into its º£½ÇÊÓƵ broadband network - meaning extra workers are needed for the rollout.

The new recruits will be based across all parts of Wales, including Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Powys, Pembrokeshire, Swansea, Cardiff and Newport, working to build and connect customers to the company’s Full Fibre broadband network.

The mammoth build is on track to reach 25 million º£½ÇÊÓƵ homes and businesses by December 2026 and has already reached more than 425,000 properties in Wales.

With a workforce of around 2,300 across Wales, Openreach already employs the nation’s largest team of telecoms engineers and professionals and said that it has committed to building a more diverse and inclusive team in an industry that’s "traditionally been very white, male dominated".

Last year, the company attracted 50 women into trainee engineering roles in Wales.

Clive Selley, CEO, Openreach, said: “We want to reflect the communities we serve and give opportunities to people from all backgrounds, so I’m encouraged that we’ve recruited more women and minority groups this year compared to last year, but we’ve got much more to do in an industry that hasn’t been very diverse historically.

“These new recruits will play a crucial role as we continue to improve services for our customers and build the biggest and best broadband network in Wales and the rest of the º£½ÇÊÓƵ, covering millions of rural and urban homes.”