Software Degree Apprentice Review

I am currently a DBA. My role involves dealing with incidents that come into our teams queue, aiming to resolve service as fast as possible for the users of the databases we support. In addition, we have to make changes to databases where they need upgrading or patching, ensuring the system is up to date and working as expected.

I have learnt a lot of skills overall, ranging from generic skills to technical skills across a wide range of technology. Since joining, I have learned a lot about Oracle databases and the Linux operating system. This involves working from the command line where I have now become comfortable working through the command line and not a GUI. In addition, I have been put on projects to write scripts, so I have used Python to do so.

My programme is fantastic for a large range of reasons. Not only are BT apprentices treated fantastically by all staff, we are paid well with very progressive pay rises and have all expenses paid for, such as university. Our programme is paid for and a week at a hotel, including food and travel is paid for. It is clear that BT want the apprentices to be drivers of the company in the future.

The programme is organised well for most of the BT apprentices. Most apprentices work in teams where there are more than one apprentice and learn together. Furthermore, they have apprentice managers in addition to their normal managers, covering anything they need from the apprentice programme that normal managers can't help with. My programme is slightly different as I am more isolated from fellow apprentices, but after initial issues, my programme is much better organised and I feel comfortable with how I will progress.

My employer supports me daily with my working role and extras in addition to my role. No question goes unanswered or is made to make you feel silly for asking it. There are lots of support forums and options for apprentices to have anything they may need answered and dealt with as soon as possible to make the job all about learning as much as possible.

Staffordshire university are fantastic for helping us towards our degree qualification. We do block weeks, which in the first two years of the programme works out at about one week a month with contact time. Out of contact time we get a day a week for studying towards our degree. Any questions are answered promptly and well by staff members of the university.

The material we learn on our course is designed to help in our daily role as it has been tailored for our programme. The first year is all about fundamentals of different areas in IT, getting us ready for more specific modules from the second year onwards. Software developers and network apprentices have different courses after the first year to help with this.

Apprentices have large networks that aim to get people involved in extra curricular activities. Some locations have more than others, with the main buildings having the most possible options for extra curricular activities. However, there are online events to participate in and there are plenty of opportunities to meet with fellow apprentices. In addition, apprentices are invited to normal staff activities as we are treated just like normal staff.

Yes

BT have been fantastic for their apprenticeships and each year they seem to get better and better. Not only are you paid to work and learn, you have your course paid for and additional training. Whilst there is pressure on apprentices to do well, BT help as much as they can to help you and ensure you progress at your best possible rate. It is a great company to work for with many benefits for doing so.

Be yourself and show you have a willingness to learn. BT look for hard workers who have the passion and self belief that they can achieve their best within BT. At the interview stage, ask questions and show you want to understand the company and what you will benefit, as well as showing how BT will benefit from having you as an employee. Talk about your future and how you want to progress.