Telecommunications Engineer Review

My day to day mainly consists of project management. My teams main purpose is the find ways in making our network better whether it be through physical improvement, application/software improvement or with the infrastructure. I communicate with a lot of customers and colleagues, both internal to BT and externally.

I have gathered a general understanding of our network which is very important for my role as I need wide-scale knowledge for when it comes to progressing my projects and understanding who to contact to progress them. I've also developed good communication skills between colleagues, contractors and external individuals for effective progress on projects.

I very much enjoy the whole learning process of our apprenticeship, both through work and from my university lectures. The lack of communication between the two parties however, makes the whole process of the apprenticeship very strenuous and frustrating. The teams I have worked on are very enjoyable and made me progress my skills and knowledge at a fast and effective rate.

The programme is organised in some places, with a thorough timetable of what we are learning and when, as well as outlining assignments and projects far in advance so we know what to expect. However, the support on what we should actually be doing in terms of the apprenticeship side of things is a bit lacklustre and could be given often.

The support varies. From a management perspective, the support is great. Having a manager that is an ex-apprentice, it is very beneficial having a relatable figure for support and they progress issues very quickly and effectively. From an apprenticeship assessment side of things, the support is a bit lacklustre, with rare support on completing the apprenticeship side of things.

Very sparse. We got given a lot of information at the beginning, identifying what the employer side of the apprenticeship was, the competencies we would need to achieve and a breakdown of our final interview, but since then, it has been very quiet on the support front, unless brought up ourselves. Some are unsure and what, when and how to write their occupational briefs and review are very rare, and moved countless times.

Not very much. The skills we have learnt in university aren't transferrable or relatable to our day to day work. Only some areas of the business have this cross-over and even then, it is very far between. What we're being taught is beneficial if our work is on a more small business/individual kind of network, not a national infrastructure like BTs.

There are some occasional extra-curricular activities available at BT. There are lecture-style meetings as well as stands and Q&As to learn about other parts of the business, both relatable and non-relatable to your current line of business. Sport is very common, with plenty of facilities available on site, as well as outside of work time.

Yes

I would recommend BT to a friend just for the sheer amount of opportunity available to anyone of any ability. The business is constantly changing and there is always something new everyday to deal with, ne people to communicate with and a sense of achievement when solving a problem or directing/training someone else to solve one too,

Just be yourself. Being yourself is the best way to expand your network for future opportunity. Have an eagerness to work but also to learn. Learning, for myself personally, is the most fun part of working, and is very easy to implement these new skills into work. Be prepared to take risks. Those who takes risks, often get the biggest rewards.