Openreach Name its UK Telecoms Engineer of the Year 2024 Winner

Network operator Openreach (BT) has named Exeter engineer Mari Owen (40), who installs full fibre (FTTP) broadband around Devon and Cornwall in South West England, as their ‘Engineer of the Year 2024‘ for her “outside the box” approach to problem-solving and ability to tackle “some of the most complex and diverse jobs“.

Mari Owen, who only started as a trainee with the UK’s biggest broadband network provider in 2020, won Openreach’s highest engineering award at the company’s annual Shining Stars ceremony in London. The 40-year-old was recently promoted to Service Delivery patch lead in the Exeter area, helping to provide Full Fibre broadband to homes and businesses, looking after the network and making sure people stay connected.

As well as being presented with the award, Mari will also be able to drive an Openreach van with the “special … OR74 ENG” licence plate. So that’s.. something.

Mari said:

“I didn’t expect to win, and I’m so grateful and honoured. I’d like to say thank you for all the nominations and recognitions I’ve received. The event was spectacular. Phoning my Mum in Romania from the BT Tower and telling her I’d won was very special. I don’t think it’s sunk in yet, and it has definitely been the highlight of my career so far.

Work hard and never give up. Have the right attitude and work ethic, be proud of what you do and never stop learning from everyone around you.”

Last year’s winner was Glenrothes engineer Lee Carmichael for his repairs, installs, out-of-the-box thinking and support for colleagues.