TV and Digital Media Apprentice Review

My role is operationally to ensure the maintenance, improvement and innovation of the BT global network/UK network and the BT TV apps. Working on the routing of cabling, quality checking the content going on the BT set up box and apps as well as monitoring the performance of the apps live. Apprentice wise my role is to handle visits to the BT Tower by giving a tour of the building and a presentation. Also creating the monthly blog on what the apprentices have been up to such as going on visits to schools, careers fairs and general apprentice promotion events.

The new skills I have learnt focus heavily on the technical side both manually and technologically. Manually it is things like tracing cables and building racks where I have learnt handy man skills. Technologically it is programming where I have built scripts that automate the upgrade and configuration of servers. My existing skills around public speaking and networking have grown tremendously with so much opportunity to do both.

I enjoy my programme a lot due to the incredible opportunities it provides. The opportunities created by the programme stretch beyond what I first thought. Not only do I get opportunities to work with others in BT but also with people in schools across the country, in advertising, in sport, in filming. There is a huge reach created by being an apprentice due to all the events and visits that happen. Not to mention the contacts I get to build at university and at work.

The structure of the programme really differs at different parts. Within the company the structure is strong and you know what you are expected in terms of rotation periods, what work is expected of you as an apprentice and how you move forward in the apprenticeship. However it can become quite slap-dash in terms of what rotations are available. University isn't very structured either and doesn't seem to be very organised. Nothing is a real issue but sometimes (especially uni) doesn't come across very professionally.

My employer gives me a lot of support as with my university studies not only do they pay for hotel and food for me to go for a week of learning they also provide a study day once a week. This gives me the time and comfort to work on my university work.

My training provider proves the opportunities to get involved with qualifications other than my degree. So to do the Cisco CCNA qualification normally costs a lot of money but they provide it for free and an expert that works at the Uni. Support for the actual degree is a mixed bag as sometimes the lecturers aren't too helpful with the actual assignments but that's mainly due to how little contact time we get with them.

Everything I learn on the degree is somehow relatable to the work I do operationally. Whether that's for future work or if it tallies up at some point, the things I learn in the degree will always benefit me in my role. That can be just giving a more academic background to something I learnt operationally which means I know even more about WHY I'm doing stuff. Not just HOW to do it.

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved with activities such as quiz nights, sports day and 5-a-side football. These are just a few to name but there are plenty of things popping up socially whether that's just drinks after work or some sports or volunteering activity. You are actively encouraged to go and find professional networking events as well attending ones already offered.

Yes

BT offers so much opportunity just within the company itself as there are so many different career ladders to jump on to here. The company really values people moving around the company to learn new skills and to bring already learnt skills to new parts of the company. This is what creates the innovation in the company which means a better service for the customer.

Prepare, prepare, prepare. Make sure you read up on the companies history so you understand what BT focusses on which is innovation and customer experience. Knowing this and a few other things when applying means you'll instantly stand out in your interviews. Also be excited and proud to work for such a big British institution as it is actually a big deal as you will be effecting so many peoples lives with the work you do!