Apprentice - Business Support Review

I am a Research & Innovation Apprentice. The department is having me do 6 month rotations through 4 different teams before I choose the one that I would like to settle in. Each team has several ongoing projects and though I get a general understanding of all of them, I have one that I delve into deeper and try to make a contribution. I either build a proof of concept, test new technologies or just review the literature for interesting new directions. Everyone around me is brilliant and they really help to clear up many difficult topics. I also feel that my ideas are seriously taken into consideration weather they are good or bad, and the feedback really helps me get a grip on what it means to do 'strategic' research and how I can recognise some paths as being dead ends before going down them.

I have learned many new skills. I have done internal training courses on Data Science, Software Defined Networks and various soft skills. I am also encouraged to take MOOCs during work hours, where I have learned about Cryptography, Blockchains, Distributed Systems, Photonics and Quantum Information. Apart from that, the day to day work has greatly improved my skills in maths, physics, programming in several languages, linux, working with containers, managing networking equipment, databases and many others.

I enjoy the programme greatly. I didn't really know what to expect when I started but I definitely didn't expect to feel both relaxed and very productive at the same time. Both teams that I have been in so far have been very nice and the whole company culture is aimed at people being happy to come to work. There are all sorts of activities and events during work hours. I do French lessons once a week, we are encouraged to take long walks through the park after lunch, we had a Sports Relief day and there are even screenings of movies or sports matches. There are regular 'Cake Parties' in the coffee area where the more gastronomically gifted bake something for the whole office and the rest of us contribute some money for charity. They are a great way to network with other teams. All of these things are available for anyone but if I am busy, I skip them because I want to get my work done rather than because I feel pressure.

It is quite surprising to me how much my views are taken into consideration given the chasm of experience between me and my colleagues. I am participating in quite senior meetings and I am given tasks which are important for the projects I am involved in. There are also a lot of side projects I can get involved in and though it never feels like doing much, I always receive eCards thanking me for participating which I feel is a very nice touch.

As my cohort were the first apprentices in the department in nearly 20 years, there were a few details to iron out in the beginning. The was a general induction across the whole company (as we have several different apprenticeship programmes) but if wasn't very informative about this particular programme. Even so, we were constantly asked for feedback and adjustments were made promptly. We are also heavily consulted in preparing a separate department induction for the next intake and I feel they will have a much smoother start than we did.

The University is very quick to deal with both academic and administrative issues. The lecturers are approachable and very patient when asked for further explanations. There is also a lot of support available through the Student's Guild. I enjoy the residentials there, they are careful to organise extracurricular activities for us to network with the other apprentices from different companies.

My manager has been amazing in supporting me, by dealing with my mental illness, by giving me time off to deal with certain issues of moving to a new town (registering with a GP, changing my address at the bank, buying furniture), by helping me find people within the company that can help me with various issues or just satisfy some curiosities I have about other areas of the business. There are also several support networks available at work through the HR Team that really help you settle in no matter your background or current situation. I feel like the company is investing a lot in supporting all employees, not just apprentices, through whatever life may throw at them.

The salary is quite good, there is not much room for saving at the moment but it is set to increase each year of the Apprenticeship. I am not necessarily lacking anything, it's just that I spent all my savings before I got this job and with moving to a new town and now it's a bit unnerving to see my savings almost down to 0, knowing that something could happen at any moment.

There are lots of things to do. There seem to be a lot of clubs and societies within the company for all sorts of different activities: travelling, sports, nature walks, book clubs, learning various languages. There are also lots of singular events being organised either for charity, for outreach or just for employees and their families to have a good time. The company also pays us for doing various volunteering activities instead of work. If your work load allows it you can do as many as you want, but even if you're swamped you get 3 days a year for volunteering guaranteed.

Yes

I would recommend BT for 2 reasons. The people here are brilliant and the company culture is that the people need to enjoy coming to work.

Just relax and focus on what you're passionate about. BT really appreciates passion.