Junior Netowkr Designer Review

by BT

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

6.8/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Physical Infrastructure Design. I test, trial and develop new physical plant to go into the network by putting the plant under real life conditions to see if it is worthy of rolling out into the field. I review these products and provide development feedback to suppliers should they need it. I also work on solution designs by writing and designing where each plant would be best suited in the network.

10/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have learned how the network physically connects to a premises. I have learned how to use each physical piece of equipment and how they connect an FTTP network. I have learned how to splice to connect fibre together, I have learned how to control traffic should I need to work on the road and set up traffic lights/signs and many more skills. I have learned professional skills e.g. how to write reports, how to speak and present on conference calls and more.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy my place of work as it suits my strong subjects from school. I work in a very intelligent team with a lot of knowledge to be shared and learned from should I need it.

6/10

4. How valued do you feel by BT?

I have worked on a task specifically where the plant has now been rolled out. Openreach even designated one of their monthly FEN articles on the plant.

7/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

A much greater structured work related training and coaching needs to be implemented. Working and learning as you go is not a great way to learn. Being given tasks without the bigger picture and how it ties in a will benefit/uplift the network is not a good way to learn.

4/10

6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?

If I am stuck and need help there is always someone to help me.

6/10

6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?

If I am stuck and need help there is always someone to help me.

6/10

7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?

In comparison to other apprenticeships incredibly well. However the company making my year switch workforces without knowing what grade we will be and therefore holding back pay, owing money and delaying back-pay is very unimpressive. This makes it very difficult to save and make big life changing purchases.

3/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

I am entitled volunteer during working hours, there are opportunities for gym and sports providing you subscribe to the leisure centre.

9/10

9. Would you recommend BT to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

BT offers a very good salary for the age group it employs, it offers a free degree with no contract of employment. guaranteed job at the end of the apprenticeship, offers a work based level 5 NVQ and offers an extra day to complete all this work. They allow you to learn on the job while you study.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BT?

Ask plenty of questions, there is a lot of skills and knowledge spread across the company. Study as much as you can because of the same reasons. Use your study days.