Business Support Apprentice Review

My current role involves being a critical communication point between the company and the customer, this means I deal with various incoming service requests, queries and issues. As this is within the Business division it is rewarding work and the projects are more often than not extremely interesting which helps to keep motivation high.

Over the course the area I have seen greatest developments for myself has been my communication and confidence, this scheme was a perfect way to get myself out into the working work without being overwhelmed and as a result has meant I am able to become comfortable and ultimately more confident in the role and as an employee.

The fact that this was a rotational scheme really has helped me to stay enjoying the program consistently, experiencing different areas of the organisation is extremely interesting particularly when you can experience both sides of their interactions together. On top of this the whole company is extremely supportive which means even if things are challenging you don't get too overwhelmed which makes it an enjoyable challenge as opposed to a stressful one

The overlap between the study and the work of the program has worked really well, the rotations we have been assigned into help to achieve the necessary standards of the apprenticeship along with giving us valuable experience to use in our assignments which would be otherwise difficult considering that your work is a vital piece of the assignment brief more often than not.

BT are very supportive at every level of the organisation, communication from the senior leaders is good and we are always considered in pay reviews etc, each senior manager i have spoken to are all very supportive of the schemes. On a more day to day level all my line managers have been excellent, always willing to help and will ensure you have the time required to fulfil any University tasks.

The support from the training provider has been hit and miss, we have had various 'skills coaches' throughout our time which doesn't help with consistency or the skills coach being able to be personal, although the individual coaches have been very supportive and extremely helpful as this is no fault of their own.

For me, the overlap is extremely relevant. The various management theories for example have made me consider how I would act in a specific situation within my team, preparing me for a management role in the future. The qualification also requires you to reach out to people you may not have otherwise reached out to to gain information for an assignment, this helps to build a network and I have found myself going back to them at other points in the future.

As a group of apprentices we have joined some societies which have invited us to some professional events with some very professional speakers at impressive locations, we also organise our own social events as often as possible. With the wider organisation also there are plenty of opportunities to be social and this is only increasing as people begin to be in the office more.

Yes

BT have helped me to get into a first job and feel settled as well as like I belong, which I know can often be a problem. The salary is very competitive and the options after the scheme are very impressive also which leaves little stress when worrying about the future.

My top tip would be to have an open mind when you think about BT, they are more than just a WIFI company, do some solid research into other areas BT operate in and you will find yourself very surprised and if you find an area you want to go more into taking this forward into your application will likely help you stand out as many will not know the variety of things BT really do.