TV and Digital Media Degree Apprentice Review

I am in the Environment and Test team within BTTV. My day-to-day role consists of dealing with any issues that have arisen within our TV test environments, this could be breakdown in communications with hardware or installing/decommissioning kit. I also have other projects that aim to "make life easier" for the team, such as remote power and temperature monitoring.

Since starting my confidence has improved immensely, in talking to people, presenting and organising events. I am always being offered courses, days out to see other parts of BT, apprentice related evenings to better my own knowledge but also to pass on my skills. In terms of technical knowledge, I am now dealing with hardware that before starting I didn't know existed so it is fair to say I have learned a lot.

I really enjoy what I do but it is very much you get out what you put in so you need to work hard to make the most of it. I thoroughly enjoy interacting with people and troubleshooting problems and due to the opportunities I get as an apprentice I get the chance to meet a lot of people and my current role is very much based on resolving issues. The team I work in are all close and we get on well as a unit which makes it a lot more of an enjoyable place to work, not only just my team but the whole of TV is very unified.

The Degree scheme that I am on with BT has a small intake each year (only 3 in my location - myself included) so you get a lot of focus put on you and people take the time to guide you and help out where required. I get regular feedback from my manager and team as well as apprentice coaches. There are e-cards (electronic thank you letters) that can be sent out by whoever so during my time here I have received lots of these recognising work that I have done or input that I have had on an event or project so that is good.

There has clearly been a lot of thought and planning that has gone into our programme, especially considering my year is the pilot intake for a degree apprenticeship. It has gone smoothly so far, there was a bit of a slow start where degree apprentices were not included much because we weren't on BT's systems but that has been fixed over time. I have regular meetings with my manager, team(s) and coaches which helps improve my learning and track my progress.

BT continually support me through my learning, this is achieved through meetings with my managers, coaches, university lecturers and team members. If I have any issues whilst I am away studying I know that if I need help there are various points of contact for me that will help me out. I feel like BT really cares about how the course is going and they do have a lot of involvement to make sure it is functioning as it supposed to and similarly the management at the university are keen to make sure my experience there is a positive one.

I get a lot of support, I am very confident to approach anyone in TV if I have an issue that I think that they can help with and generally people are able to help me and are always willing to offer advice on who to turn to next or next steps in a project that I may be stuck with.

The pay at BT is very generous and I find that what I am getting paid currently in my second year suits my life style and allows me to put some money aside as well. The yearly pay rise is very good and gives me more room to save and adjust my outgoings each year.

BT are always hosting events, some organised by full time staff other by apprenticeships. These involve going to schools and education institutions as well as working with charities or other businesses. I have had the chance to do lots of different activities during my time with BT and I know that I will continue to be able to go outside of BT to help out at events.

Yes

The apprenticeship scheme has surpassed my expectations and I know that I wasn't entirely sure what to expect when I first applied. Having now been here for two years I can say with confidence that BT has offered me so much and the fact that I get so many corporate benefits, a handsome pay package that increases each year and a Full Degree completely paid for by BT I wouldn't hesitate to do it all again.

Research BT before you apply! If you get the chance to attend a hub day and be interviewed for a role the best chance you have of showing yourself off is to be prepared. Understand what BT offers to its customers, what the apprenticeship schemes are and what they entail, BT's values and what companies we are part of/own. Also make sure you know why YOU want to work here and what YOU can offer to BT. These things combined make you a very attractive candidate!