Network engineer Review

Currently I am a engineer within the voice infrastructure deployment team within the model environment. Only a daily basis this means I help to maintain, upgrade and do all of the more hands on work to the voice model. This can be jobs such as putting in a new rack along with the needed equipment, running software updates on blades or running fibre between multiple rooms.

I have been put through multiple rotations and have learnt a wealth of knowledge. I have mainly be specialised in voice equipment focusing on the session initiation protocol. This means I have learnt loads of technical knowledge within this area along with the interpersonal skills I have gained from testing with international customers. The knowledge I have learnt, far exceeded my expectations and a lot is expected of me.

The way in which the program is set up with how the university dates blend with the work life is a good mix and the weekly hours are very easy going. The flexibility and support you get within BT allows you to explore the vast variety of potential jobs you can undertake which has given me plenty to look forward to.

Due to BT having ran this apprentice program for quite a while now, the majority of the small issues have been covered and I have experienced very little issue with how the programme has been structured. The way in which the university part time learning is set out works absolutely fine with how the work load is set.

I always feel that I can turn to any of the colleagues I work with for help and they are more then willing to assist and teach me. Further more BT has apprentice coaches in place to help with things more directly associated with the programme so I feel as if there is always support for me.

I am fortunate that the managers I have had along with the people I work with understand how difficult it can be to work nearly full time but then have to work on a university degree as well, so they allow the standard half study day a week when at university. However alongside this, if I am approaching the deadline and require more study time they usually give it to me.

As the BT apprenticeship covers a vast variety of BT job roles under the networking engineering banner, then the university degree I am taking has a vast variety of units to tick all of the boxes. This isn't always directly useful, however some of the modules such as those focused around routing or network capability have greatly helped to further my learning and the other units have widen my breadth of knowledge.

At the site I work at, there are constantly tones of extra curricular activities to get involved in such as multiple clubs (sailing club, karate club, etc) however there are always additional events going on such as sports day, watt bike for charity, even a music festival is hosted on site once a year.

Yes

The possibilities for growth are far reaching. BT is a globally known and respected telecoms company which with the experience and degree under your belt, you can go anywhere you want after the apprenticeship. However within BT there is so much flexibility and options that staying with BT is an amazing opportunity as well.

Don't believe that you have to be skilled in telecoms or network engineering, as everyone starts off their apprenticeship at BT not really knowing much about how the technology works. As long as you have the right attitude, the correctly ability to learn on complex technology solutions and have good interpersonal skills, you will thrive at BT.