Delivery and Support Apprentice Review

i deal with equipment on the core network on a daily basis. I task out engineers when there is a fault on the network. as an apprentice, i feel i have a high level of responsibility but i also have strong support around me to assist when i am unsure of what to do.

i have learnt alot about the physical elements of the core network and what is required to ensure the UK can continue to communicate seamlessly. i have also been able to work for other teams, working on legacy equipment and talking directly to customers on the phone, ensuring we continue to provide best broadband service.

i enjoy it a lot. the support network around me is amazing. if i ever have a question the team are always quick to help out. the chance to rotate to other teams across the site at adastral park is also a huge benefit as it increases our broader understanding of what is required to keep the network running.

as apprentices at BT, we spend three days in work per week during university term time and the other two days are spent at the university of suffolk. overall, the learning at the university of suffolk complements my work at BT and vice versa. this structure is good but you have to put the work in in your spare time in order to succeed.

support from employer is very good I can talk to my direct manager or apprentice coaches based at BT if i have any issues regarding anything. the support from the full time day team members is also very good and they are keen to train me up as this takes pressue off of them.

the teaching at the university is average at best unfortunately and some of the lecturers are of very poor quality. there seems to be less emphasis on providing a quality service and more focus on ensuring obligations to BT are fulfilled. for example, the projector in the room will not be working and therefore no work will be set. but rather than allowing us to go the library to conduct some research, we are forced to stay confined in a small room for the whole day.

content is provided online via the university and this helps us to catch up and refer to things later down the line as and when required. this content helps me in my operational role and i feel like i can relate to real-life working equipment and systems. actual teaching quality is often poor however.

there is a gym onsite of which i am a member and it is very cheap for employees to join. in addition to this there are other activities that employees can get involved onsite including tennis and snooker. there are also opportunities to help out with showcasing events at the exhibition hall.

Yes

BT is a great company to work for and you feel like you are making a big difference to peoples lives across the country. although the university of suffolk study programme is below average, i feel like the support at BT is excellent and i know who i can go to if i need any additional support.

make sure to stay up on top of study if you can. try to make friends in the years above as they have been through the same experiences as you will be going through and will probably be in the best place to be able to help you. i cannot recommend BT as an employer highly enough.