Chartered Management Degree Apprentice Review

by BT

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9.1/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I complete 4 x 1 year rotations in different roles and departments in the BT Business unit. I manage projects, produce content, lead teams, and produce reports to build and develop solutions.

10/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Project Management, Data Analytics, Design Consultancy, User Experience Design, Sales Strategy, Solution Thinking, Organisation, Communication, Time Management, Stakeholder Management, Presenting to Large Groups, Digital Technology, Inclusive Practice

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I really enjoy my programme. Every day I am challenged to develop and stretch my skills, knowledge, and behaviours, as part of a high-challenge/high-support performance culture. I feel empowered to do my best and challenge things that I don't agree with in pursuit of the best outcomes.

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

My programme is well-organised most of the time. The 4 x 1 year rotations don't align very well to the 3 x 1.5 years of learning, meaning that I plan my dissertation in my third role but start it in my fourth - not ideal for a research project.

8/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I receive a lot of support from my employer for my mental health/neurodiversity needs, professional development, and extracurricular enrichment activities. However, in all of these areas you have to be the one to initiate the request for support, which can be difficult when you're overwhelmed.

8/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

I receive ample support from my training provider in the form of a dedicated skills coach with regular quarterly reviews and ad-hoc support whenever I need it. I also have access to their best-in-class Academic Centre of Excellence (ACE) who provide bespoke academic support on my assignments. The quality of the lectures provided by the training provider leaves much to be desired however - lessons often consist of being left in virtual breakout rooms to "analyse" an article with peers.

7/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

My qualification directly gives me the tools, skills, and thinking in order to do my job well. I can access a wealth of resources on-demand to help me tackle new parts of my job, which are provided by the CMI as part of my apprenticeship.

10/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

There are ample extracurriculars at BT. I lead the Business Early Careers IED team, I am a comms manager for the Gender Equality Network, and I regularly support young people as an apprenticeship ambassador at events that BT sponsors/attends.

10/10

9a. Would you recommend BT to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

BT hands you, on a plate, the opportunity to develop personally and professionally to become a well-rounded practitioner - specialist or generalist. You are immersed in an environment of professionals who are eager to support you, and there are ample resources for you to pursue independently too.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BT?

When applying to BT, do your research. Make a case study on one thing that we've done that stands out to you, and link that to what you'd like to get out of working at BT. Research the scheme you're applying for and use the vocabulary from the apprenticeship standards in your application.