Rating

7.9/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • As a software/network engineer apprentice I get to do a lot of work with coding and learning and about the telephone network used by BT/EE. Day to do can be very different due to the many different jobs that are done in my department. One day you could be sat analysing spreadsheets and the next you are driving to different sites around the country checking and replacing equipment. Most days are spent doing different tasks with a few smaller maintenance tasks to do with keeping important equipment functioning. We also get to do a lot of work for ‘customers’ including multiple meetings so we understand and fulfil their needs.

    9/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • As the apprenticeship I’m on is a full degree apprenticeship I am constantly learning new skills. I am currently doing a degree in digital solutions and computing so I am always learning new skills such as programming and setting up networks. In my actual day to day job I get to grow current skills such as my presenting skills due to many presentations for customers and colleagues.

    8/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • I thoroughly enjoy the programme I am on. Currently I am on placement within EE (owned by BT) and the office I am in is an extremely friendly and welcoming group of people. They are constantly pushing me to grow as well as keeping work fun and interesting. Thankfully as the work is constantly changing it is also very interesting so I never feel bored. The support and opportunities are also very broad and easily attainable making me feel well looked after.

    9/10

  • 4. How valued do you feel by BT?
  • I feel well valued at BT. Even though I am only a first year apprentice I have been given tasks and jobs that have gained me recognition with external customers and I have been trusted with important information and presentations to give. This has made me feel like I am an important member of the company and that they value my contributions.

    8/10

  • 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • The structure of the programme at BT’s end is very good. We got a week’s introduction to the business in which we got given the vast majority of the information we required. We have line managers and supporters who facilitate everything to do with the course and they try and help keep everything well organised. The actual degree course can be a bit more disorganised with the dates and course material only coming through last minute however steps are being taken to try and sort all this out.

    7/10

  • 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
  • We have received a fair amount of support from the university for our course however due to the size of our group on the course we don’t always get as much support as we would like during lectures however afterwards over email and calls support was freely given. Plenty of teaching and advice is given.

    7/10

  • 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • Thanks to the fact that every apprentice is given a line manager and others to support us in our roles we are very well supported. If we have a problem and one person isn’t around to help we have other people we can go to that will do their best to help. People care and want to help us grow in the business so they put in a lot of effort to support us.

    8/10

  • 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
  • Personally my salary covers my costs with some to spare. Thankfully every year the salary rises so it becomes better paid as time goes on. It is not necessarily a salary to raise a family on but after a few years in the business it will improve substantially. Costs for someone still living at home would be more than manageable.

    8/10

  • 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
  • There are quite a few opportunities provided by BT if people want to take them. Several volunteering opportunities, mostly revolving around schools and getting younger people into engineering, are always available. There are also several team meals/team building activities that take place throughout the year so you can get to know your colleagues in a non-work environment.

    7/10

  • 9. Would you recommend BT to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • I would recommend BT to a friend because they are a great company for apprenticeships and growth availability. Their apprenticeships tend to offer really good qualifications as well as good pay alongside it. As BT is such a big company there is a lot of availability to move around the business into different roles. This means you are more likely to find something you enjoy so I would be happy knowing my friends could find enjoyable work.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BT?
  • First of all do your best to try and gain extra experiences before applying. Go out and try and learn a new skill on your own outside of school such as coding or building small machines/robots. You may not master these things but showing a willingness to try and some skills in these areas can be a big help. Also don’t just sit back in the interviews and let others do the talking, if there is a group task in the process making sure you are heard and not drowned out helps show what you can do instead of you just being another body in the room. Finally do some research on the job beforehand, if you know what is expected in the role show and interest and some knowledge in the area. Making an effort like this will set you apart.


Details

Degree Apprenticeship

Engineering

West Midlands

May 2018


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