Network Associate Desginer Review

I work with multi national, multi billion pound companies to create bespoke network solutions to meet their needs, away from standard network designs. on a day to day basis I could be involved in meetings either face to face or via conferencing with a range of contacts of varying seniority at the customer site. As well as with different roles within the organisation to organise and arrange a design solution to meet the customers needs.

Before starting my apprenticeship i had limited knowledge of the inner workings of networking and was an absolute beginner. Through a range of training both in house and external i have developed my skills as a network designer and am now looking to specialise further as a specialist in Meraki network design solutions.

I love my job, and have done a career change to join the apprenticeship at BT. My work environment and on the job training is second to none. It gives me loads of opportunities within my own team and externally as well as the opportunity to give back with 3 volunteering days a year to use on whatever causes we wish. My team play a major part of my experience and we regularly do team building or just fun events to let our hair down.

Within BT itself the programme is well structured - but unfortunately if you are based with the university part (East of England) the University of Suffolk then the organisation is extremely poor. BT are able to provide a strong induction and we spend a week with other apprentices based across the country within the same job types as each other to get to know about the apprenticeship and the course. BT provides an apprentice coach who provides support and guidance for all elements of the apprenticeship, and are approachable and practical at helping to address any issues quickly. Unfortunately the university element of the course is extremely poor. The course is unorganized and very often, changes and course elements are communicated to the cohort at extremely short notice. Marking of work can take over 9 weeks - where as the university policy states a min of 4 and where this can not be met then a timetable and explanation given as to why the 4 weeks have not been met and given an expected date. Currently this term of the 3 assignments and exams submitted. all 3 pieces of work are overdue based upon the universities stated policies. As well as this communication with course leaders and other lecturers is ignored or not replied to making any queries hard to solve.

The support from my employer is second to none. I suffer with mental health problems and thought that it may be a stumbling block within the apprentice, but BT has a fresh and non stigmatized view of mental health and has many support programme's in place to assist in the management of these conditions as well as others.

Unfortunately the university element of the course (University of Suffolk) is extremely poor. The course is unorganized and very often, changes and course elements are communicated to the cohort at extremely short notice. Marking of work can take over 9 weeks - where as the university policy states a min of 4 and where this can not be met then a timetable and explanation given as to why the 4 weeks have not been met and given an expected date. Currently this term of the 3 assignments and exams submitted. all 3 pieces of work are over the universities stated policies. As well as this communication via email to lecturers is often not responded too.

I do not feel that currently the university (University of Suffolk) is teaching me relevant content to progress within the workplace. It feels as though compared to other apprentices within BT their content is more relevant and up to date and enables them to put into practice what they have learnt. I learn more in my day to day role with my employer.

There is a very wide range of activities available both inside of work with a gym and social club onsite, alongside tennis courts, a basketball court and pool hall on site. As well as this a range of classes are available to join as well as clubs such a photography club and social groups - LGBT, Gender Equality groups etc.

Yes

Despite the university elements for those studying at University of Suffolk. BT is a strong employer with a range of opportunities within the business and there is always ways in which to progress and up skill and move to various departments within the company. There is job security, so long as you pass all milestones you have a guaranteed job at the end of the programme as well as excellent salary and pay incentives each year of completion.

Be yourself, Do your homework and understand what the company is about and the direction that the company is following in today's ever changing landscape. Show them that you are willing to learn and embrace everything to do with being an apprentice at BT and that you are not afraid of hard work.