Apprentice - Business Support Review

Collating order information from the previous week, representing this in numerical and visual forms, such as bar or pie charts, as well as an overall comparison across the Work in Progress (WIP) of the team. This would be used as an aid to senior management in making future business decisions. My role also involved representing the team in numerous virtual meetings to drive performance and future improvements.

I have developed interpersonal skills through constant communication and interaction with customers, colleagues and superiors leading to effective output impacting our working practices. I've also developed prioritisation and multitasking skills as a result of working in high pressure situations striving to achieve certain outcomes and targets. A new acquired skill I've learnt is to effectively drive change through collaboration with multiple stakeholders.

I do enjoy my programme as, as mentioned, I've been able to consistently push myself as well as learning and developing my skills. I'm also trusted with a high degree of responsibility so this is quite fitting with my ability to work in high pressure situations and deliver a positive outcome for the company.

My programme is well structured in the sense that I get 20% off the job study time to focus on university and NVQ qualifications. This is ample time to complete these. There is some spare time remaining on the apprenticeship either side of the university degree however this time can be effectively used to study towards the NVQ qualification.

I receive a lot of support from my employer and if I do need some more focus time on my university or NVQ work, they will try their best to accommodate that. I believe it is important that my employer recognises the significance that this qualification is to me and that I always aim to achieve the best grades possible.

Within the past year and a half, all teaching has been virtual, and at first, my cohort did struggle with this as we were used to face to face learning on a subject where knowledge was limited. However, this situation did improve and online lessons were practiced to ensure knowledgeable sessions were delivered. The training provider is also available via email if any help is needed and they are always happy to schedule a chat if necessary.

My degree qualification does help me to perform better in my role as it is largely IT focused so this will undoubtedly help working in a Telecommunications company. My NVQ qualification also helps me to perform better in my role as there is a lot of in depth research required which can be used to understand wider company processes.

Yes, there's lots of extra curricular activities. At the moment, the majority of this is virtual but my employer has definitely made an effort in terms of inclusion and promoting both a positive working and social atmosphere in the workplace. There is a recent set up of coffee chats where team members from a wider team can sign up and learn new things about their area they may not have known already, informal of course.

Yes

BT is a great place to work and is part of an ever-growing economy. BT is completely essential to the future of Telecommunications and the largely publicised fibre rollout that is due to complete in 2026. Being part of such a big project will feel rewarding as every BT employee will know they had a role to play in that delivery.

My top piece of advice would definitely be to research the company before you apply. It is important to know the ins and outs as well as different happenings both across BT and the wider industry. Also, really think about why you want to join BT. Is it because of a recommendation or have you got a strong Telecommunications interest, for example? Make sure that you have the reasons to back this up to make you stand out.