Network Engineer Review

In my role I build and configure VLANS. This involves placing orders through Open Reach to get a tag, configuring equipment, and placing and configuring an order for the VLAN itself. I will often interact internally with my colleagues in order to allocate work, highlight any issues, targets, or priorities. I am also helping out with systems development work, where I work to fulfil improvement requests for various tracking systems. My involvement in this is limited as there are not many requests I am able to carry out due to the complexity of the systems.

I have developed my software development skills, and have also learnt how to apply them to a real situation. I have also developed knowledge on heath and safety, security, and legislation through computer based training, my NVQ, and from the appropriate people in the office. I have also gained network engineering related skills, including how the network is built up.

I like that I get plenty of opportunities within this apprenticeship to volunteer and see other parts of the business. I also enjoy getting positive feedback from managers and colleagues. I like that there's plenty of operational change to keep the work environment fresh and exciting. However I feel the BTEC part of the apprenticeship could be delivered better, as the very limited amount of block release means a lot of the course is rushed and makes it hard to retain the useful information a part of it. I also feel that amount of operational change that has been happening has cause a fair amount of disruption to the organised apprenticeship plan that was in place in our office.

I feel valued by my managers and team as they give positive feedback and encouragement, and by the opportunities I am given.

The BTEC and NVQ part of the programme is organised well. Having block release at Yarnfield is good as we don't have any outside distractions and are able to put our full focus on the course, however I feel we could do with more blocks for the BTEC to cover the contents more effectively. We have regular meeting with our NVQ mentor who provides us with feedback and targets to ensure we are on top of the coursework. The operational side of the programme was initially structured and organised well until the amount of operational change in the office disrupted it and put it off track.

My BTEC tutor is very helpful with their feedback from assignments, and also provides support after class to help those that are struggling. My NVQ tutor is supportive in giving advice and guidance for the NVQ coursework.

The manager I have is very supportive and holds 1 to 1 sessions, apprentice meetings and team meetings which give me a lot of opportunity to discuss any concerns, give feedback, and gain a useful insight on the rest of my team.

The salary in place for the apprenticeship is mostly excellent, and covers my potential living costs. The increase each year is a great motivator.

Being a unionised work place there are many opportunities to get involved with the CWU. BT also promotes volunteering activities and have various opportunities available and put forward to us apprentices. There's also the occasional social event planned outside of work.

Yes

I feel everyone is very supportive, and there are many opportunities available to develop skills and experience. I feel BT also values the apprentices because of this support and opportunities, as well as providing us good living salary for us.

I would suggest for applicants to research BT, and demonstrate proactiveness when applying. I would also recommend successful applicant to make the most of the opportunities available to them on their apprenticeship.