International Voice Technician Review

I am an apprentice at BT's international voice management centre. As a voice technician I am responsible for the testing and maintenance of the international carrier network. On a day to day basis I will be making IP test calls to every country in the world and working with international carriers to ensure that customers can make successful calls to any country in the world.

I have learnt many new skills since starting my apprenticeship with BT. In my role I have learnt how to work as part of a structured team by communicating and cooperating effectively with everyone I work with. I have also had the opportunity to develop presentation and public speaking skills when I have been into schools and colleges to tell young people about BT and the apprentice scheme they offer. Outside of my role I am working towards a level 3 BTEC in IT Networks where I attend college on a block release. I have also had the opportunity to do courses on how to be a 'Lean Practitioner' and learn about how to continuously improve the way teams work.

I have enjoyed my time at BT so far. The work that I do is varied and interesting which allows me to always strive to learn more and become better at it. The team that I work with and the over all culture of BT makes it a very good company to work for. You are well looked after and in my experience there is always someone to talk to if you have any worries.

As an apprentice at BT I feel that I am valued in the skills that I provide to the team. You trained from the start to become a full incorporated member of the team that can be relied upon if ever needed. Line managers will often recognise if you are working hard and will reward you accordingly. This can be through e-cards or giving you more responsibility in the role you are in. The way I am treated means that I feel like just another member of the team.

Before you start in your operational role there is an induction week held and BT's training site to give you lots of information about the apprenticeship and how BT works as a company. It is a good start to orientate yourself and see what the apprenticeship offers. In your role you receive training on how to do all the tasks needed to do the job. This is done by presentations, job shadowing and hands on experience. BT also offer support for any needs either through your line manager or the apprentice coach that you will work with. This coach will be a point of call for any issues but will also meet you frequently to set goals and see how you are performing. Overall the scheme is well organised.

Every apprentice at BT has an apprentice coach that they can turn to for support and guidance. Every 12 weeks you will meet with your coach to see how you are doing, if you have any concerns and what goals you have to build on what you have already learnt. If you wanted to speak with them outside of these meetings then they are always more than happy to help.

My manager always worked closely with me and made sure that I was happy with what I was doing and if there was anything they could do help with my progression. They would always try and help with any issues I had and would never feel like I didn't have any support. The HR team were also always there for any concerns you have as well.

The salary that BT offers its apprenticeships is extremely competitive. Every year apprentices will receive pay rises as long as they are progressing correctly. The staring salary is enough to live on and the pay rises help make things progressively comfortable. Also if for any reason you have to travel as part of the job BT offer allowances to cover some of the costs.

In BT there are always other things that you can get involved in. Charity events, sporting events and other social occasions are always available to get involved in.

Yes

BT apprenticeship scheme not only offers people a job but also a career. It offers lots of training and experience that can be transferred to many different role and jobs. The working environment is good and the courses and qualifications that you can do are brilliant opportunities. If you work hard then BT will reward this.

Apply for an area that you have an interest in as it will make the application process easier. In interviews make sure to relax, be yourself and show a keen attitude to learn.