Delivery and Support Apprentice Review

My role changes every six months throughout my apprenticeship, which gives me great exposure to the technology department within BT. I have been able to experience a range of departments within network operations and utilise skills acquired during my time at university. I ensure our customers enjoy great levels of uninterrupted network coverage.

I have learnt a range of technical skills. Quite often I will be required to log in and remotely apply config commands to network devices. I have also been required to communicate directly with customers over the phone and via email, so my lingual and written communication skills have improved.

I enjoy my role a lot and I enjoy the variety that my role brings. I am in a fortunate position where I am able to rotate to different teams within and outside of network operations. Some roles can be very repetitive and monotonous, while others offer something new every single day.

In terms of being able to rotate, the programme is very well structured. There is also great support provided for study, with managers ensuring we are given time to attend lectures and have study time. Many managers are respectful of this, but some will often try to pressure apprentices to come into work during their designated study days due to the demand for work.

There are resources available to me throughout the company and I know who I can turn to if I have a specific issue. My direct manager is also very approachable and I can speak to them about any issues I have. I also have regular calls with apprentice coordinators to ensure my apprenticeship is progressing in the right direction.

We are given designed days to attend university seminars and lectures as well as time to study. This ensures we are able to adhere to our off the job requirements that form part of the BT apprenticeship. BT is very supportive on the whole of my studies and they are keen to ensure people develop their skills.

My qualification supports my daily role and vice versa. However, I sometimes believe that my daily role within the office provides more experience and that it would be beneficial for me to spend five days a week in my working role. I can bring knowledge from my role to my studies.

Due to a large chunk of my apprenticeship taking place throughout the coronavirus pandemic, there have not been too many opportunities to join social teams and sports clubs. Now that I am back in the office, some sports clubs and events have been established and I am keen to take part in these.

Yes

The variety that BT provides throughout the apprenticeship offers a unique insight into a range of departments throughout Technology within BT. There are plenty of opportunities to learn and grow within the company and there is also support available if you experience any problems. I would recommend a BT apprenticeship over outright university studies.

If you are looking to go into a career within technology, I could not recommend the BT apprenticeship enough. There are so many opportunities to learn on the job and you get a degree without the debt. This is a much better opportunity than outright university studies and I could not recommend it enough.