Rating

8.2/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • I am a higher apprentice doing a system engineering job as well as some software engineering. My daily tasks consist of creating test plans and carrying out testing as well as some programming in C sharp. My daily internal interactions is mainly within our project team of about 15 people where we work as a team to create products for external customers. I communicate with these customers to discuss project needs and deliver products to them. I am responsible for a PC application as well as being part of a DevOps team. One of the other things I do is take part in activities as a STEM ambassador.

    8/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • The skills I have learnt on this apprenticeship have included many different programming languages through online training, using them in project work as well as at university. Python, Java and C Sharp have been the main ones. The foundation degree in software engineering has provided a lot of other skills for a broad range of computer science basics.

    9/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • The work I do has been challenging and has enabled me to learn more skills. BT looks after apprentices very well with regular meetings to see how the work is going and provide support for both the degree and NVQ. The university has been helpful in providing a good course that covers a range of topics

    8/10

  • 4. How valued do you feel by BT?
  • There are opportunities to apply for awards outside of the company, two of these I have taken part in are the developher and the national apprentice awards. These are a great way to show what someone has done on the apprenticeship and get recognition for their work.

    6/10

  • 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • The induction to the course was a week where we met managers and got given talks on the wider business as well as more specifically the teams we were going into. The course was organised with the university however dates and details of the course did change slightly to what was first mentioned. Support has been given for those who need it and there have been lots of opportunities to ask about anything that is unclear.

    7/10

  • 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
  • Lecturers at the university are happy to help with any issues we have and are easy to email with any questions. They have made sure that we are prepared for assignments and exams by providing extra sessions if we need them. Lecturers are approachable and help explain topics further if needed.

    9/10

  • 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • Within the organisation there are meetings that are set up to speak to our apprentice coaches regularly as well as drop in sessions for NVQ. With work problems there are often those around who can help either within the team or outside. There is a lot of support for the apprenticeship within the team I work in as they want their apprentices to do well and give time for learning.

    9/10

  • 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
  • Currently I am still living at home so therefore have less costs than other apprentices do. However I have put money away from my salary to help save up towards a house. The location of work is near to Ipswich which isn't too expensive and a bus runs to work from there. As the majority of my friends went to university there is not many social costs.

    9/10

  • 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
  • yes there are lots of opportunities outside to help at events that are going on, I carry out some work at schools as a STEM ambassador. BT give 3 days a year for volunteering, allowing people to carry out a variety of activities. I carry out talks at schools and careers events to help promote apprenticeships as well as to help young people decide what to do once leaving. BT also has a gym on site for those who want it.

    9/10

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


  • 9b. Why?
  • The apprenticeship is a good way to get into a workplace as well as getting a qualification. It provides a lot of learning both in work and at a degree level. There are lots of opportunities to get involved in which will later in life and give a chance to do something different.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BT?
  • The application process starts online with questions to answer and submit, followed by a telephone interview. The assessment centre will be held at the company where there will be a group activity and an interview. One of the things BT look out for is enthusiasm to learn, the course is tough, doing a degree and working at the same time.


Details

Higher Level Apprenticeship

Information Technology

East of England

May 2018


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