Network Engineer Associate Review

The programme revolves around the network engineering profession and the variety of different roles within in. Due to this I am on a rotation scheme where either every 3 or 6 months I change roles. Up to this point I have rotated 3 times, once within a lab environment involving moving network devices, optimising labs and providing physical connections. One rotation in a test environment, testing new processes and network configuration before going into a live network and one in an operations centre monitoring BT's live network, monitoring service and fixing faults.

I have developed a large variety of skills, including both my technical skills which is vital in this field and also my soft skills which will be vital in any business in the future. Aswell as this I am studying a foundation level degree in network engineering with the opportunity to 'top-up' to full degree level and also studying a level 3 NVQ alongside the valuable skills I learn daily from professionals in their field. I also get the chance to gain industry specific qualifications from Vendors such as Cisco and bodies such as the ITP.

I thoroughly enjoy the programme, it is a good balance of academic work and hands on experience in the field to develop all the skills necessary. It can however require good time management skills to balance the work load.

BT are very good at using their apprentices and making sure they leave their mark and make a real impact on the business. Your value is noticed by how much you are included in your teams work and by the fact you are given your own projects to handle which really impact the business. Also the fact that many full time employees in high positions started off in the same place as you makes you feel an integral part of BT's future.

The programme has a clear structure to ensure you progress at a steady state but also leaves a lot into your own hands. This approach means you can direct your own path and if there is something you want to do or a position you are more suited to BT allow for you to network and make these things happen.

We receive good support from our University and also from our apprentice coaches.

Our employer provides us with lots of support, we have line managers who organise frequent 1-1 sessions which allow you to raise any issues you may have.

The salary for a first year apprentice is competitive amongst other apprenticeships, a first year starter in a higher networks role receives £14,400 with perks such as free internet, student discounts and lots of employee incentives. There are yearly pay increments of £3500 while on the course if you hit your apprentice milestones.

There at tones of opportunities BT provide you with outside of work, there are communities, sports, informal work events and we are encouraged heavily to volunteer where possible. This can be for charities, visiting to schools to explain the programme, getting involved in STEM events or just helping the local community.

Yes

Despite BT being a huge multinational company, everyone is made to feel important and everyone really wants you to succeed. They give you the support and push you to be your best which allows you to do things you never thought you'd be capable of doing.

Do some background research on BT, what are they doing now? what excited you about there future? Really think about why you want to work for BT and why YOU would benefit and why we would benefit from you. Don't worry too much about specific technical knowledge, although show a strong interest in relevant technologies. Be yourself mainly, BT invest in people and they want to know the real person.