SUPER fast broadband is coming to Epping Forest, bringing with it 23 job opportunities.

Across the country 3,500 engineers are being employed by Openreach in a bid to bring fibre optic broadband to three million homes by 2020.

Twenty-three of those job will be in Epping Forest.

Eleanor Laing MP said: "It’s great news that Openreach is creating 23 jobs in Epping Forest. This investment will help bring faster and more reliable broadband to homes and businesses across the constituency.

"Access to the internet is now essential for both work and leisure. These new jobs will help create and service the digital infrastructure that will increase productivity and help spread wealth and opportunity around the country. So this is a very welcome announcement."

The engineers will expand, upgrade, maintain and install new services over Openreach’s broadband network in 40 cities.

Taken together, with an expected expansion in its supply chain, this will support the creation of about 5,000 new jobs in Britain over the coming year.

Openreach HR director Kevin Brady said: "We want men and women from all walks of life to apply for roles at Openreach so we’re keen to engage with the aspiring engineers of tomorrow and to build a diverse workforce that reflects the hugely diverse communities we serve throughout Britain.

"We’re committed to helping people realise their potential so we’re also delighted to be offering 500 work experience placements, under the Movement to Work programme, to 18-24 year olds who are currently not in education, employment or training."

Go to www.btplc.com/Careercentre/careersatbt/openreach/Engineers/index.html to find out more.