Digital and technology solutions degree apprentice Review

I am a 3rd year Network Engineering Degree Apprentice that sits within BT’s Networks division and its TV & Broadband unit. I currently work as an IPTV Digital Operations Engineer within BT Sport. My work specifically focuses on the test infrastructure behind the multi-billion valued network – BT Sport and its app. I’m tasked with live troubleshooting of major events such as the Champions league, Premier league, UFC and many more premium sports to ensure customer performance was at its highest. This involved critically analysing Video Start & playback failures, buffering and bitrates during live events across BT Sport clients such as PlayStation, Xbox, Android etc to help ensure the millions watching across the world have a smooth experience.

i have learnt a lot of technical skills and soft skills, some include data analysis, project management, data science, testing and many more. with my work in the D&I space i have delivered several knowledge shares and participated on numerous roundtables which has helped me develop great presentation and communication skills

i enjoy it quite a lot as it brings a lot of added benefits and opportunities for example I was invited to 10 Downing Street during National Apprenticeship Week 2022 for a roundtable with the Secretary of State for Education Nadhim Zahawi. I was able to represent my company at the highest level and drive active change within U.Ks education system by providing the government with an insight to my career journey and giving them tips on how the ministers office can better make apprenticeships as a part of the norm especially for ethnic minorities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

it is extremely well organised. the apprentice co-ordinators are there to support every step of the way. the structure is broken down by giving us a balance between the apprenticeship tech experience, university studies and voluntary apprentice activities to build our network and increase the exposure of our cohort both internally and externally.

i receive incredible support. i have a guaranteed study day per week which allows me to really get the true balance between my operational work and university studies. if for whatever reason i need more study time my employer would go out of their way to accommodate this so it's good.

my training provider does the job, they don't go above and beyond which is what i don't expect them to do as the programme is quite well structured and is quite independent. hence i am happy with the offer they support from lectures, proof reading pre draft assignments etc.

some modules that i've learnt at university e.g. software fundamentals, data security and project management have all directly contributed in some way shape or form to my operational work. the coding aspect i am able to learn at uni fits quite well with my day job when i have to test certain devices.

My achievements over the past 3 years have been acknowledged and rewarded both internally and externally where I’ve been able to feature on company wide BT campaigns such as Islamophobia awareness month, Work ready early careers and having my own article on BT’s official website! I’ve also been recognised externally by TechSkills, Electronics Weekly, Elektra & the ITP through award shortlists and featuring as case studies on their website to inspire the next future talent pool of apprentices especially from a BAME background.

Yes

it's a great company to work for, the structure is one of the best I've heard against other employees for the same scheme and BT is highly flexible which is what i value a lot. hence i'd recommend them which i am actively doing right now as apprenticeships are open.

research the companys vision. with the whole restructuring BT has gone through, visions have changed and the dynamic of the company has shifted from a teleco company to a technology one. hence i suggest researching the vision and seeing if it aligns with what you want to work for and what you want to achieve if you join the business.