Higher Network Apprentice Review

I work within IP Networks and as part of this we get the opportunity to rotate around all the jobs roles within it. For example Network Testing and Network Operations. I am currently in Ops, which means I take engineer phone calls, and monitoring the live network for customers. In test, I tested kit before it was released to the live network.

I have vastly improved my IT skills and communication skills. I have gone from someone who doesn't like to speak on the phone to anyone, to someone who will now voluntarily answer the phones with confidence. As part of my apprenticeship I am obtaining a L4 NVQ, and a foundation degree, all paid for as part of my apprenticeship. I doubt I would have otherwise obtained these qualifications.

I enjoy my apprenticeship programme very much, and think that for school leavers an apprenticeship is one of the best ways to start your career- particularly if you can secure yourself a higher/full degree apprenticeship. The ethos of BT is great for apprentices as we are treated and paid fairly, and the teams we join actually value apprentices. It certainly met my expectations and I have been into schools promoting the scheme and boosting BT.

I think that BT is a good example of an employer who values their apprentices because there are so many of us. We are guaranteed a job at the end of our apprenticeship and we are paid a very fair wage, which rises consecutively each year we are here. We have a large network of support with apprentice coaches who help with our NVQ and uni, our buddies- who are second years that have been through exactly what we have and our Line managers who do our one-to-ones and give us support across the whole apprenticeship scheme.

It is very well structured and organised. We have 6 monthly rotations which give us the optimal amount of time in each work area. Every week we have 3 days that we work operationally in our teams, then we have one day day release at university, and then we have one on-site study day at work. We are given a lot of structured training and support.

We have a large network of support with apprentice coaches who help with our NVQ and uni, our buddies- who are second years that have been through exactly what we have and our Line managers who do our one-to-ones and give us support across the whole apprenticeship scheme. Everyone is always willing and happy to help and support us and the general attitude towards apprentices is really positive.

We have a large network of support with apprentice coaches who help with our NVQ and uni, our buddies- who are second years that have been through exactly what we have and our Line managers who do our one-to-ones and give us support across the whole apprenticeship scheme. The HR team as well who work in London are in regular contact with us VIA email, and we had a whole training week with that team at the start of our apprenticeship.

The salary is fair and reflects the hours that we work well. It allows us to live comfortably and still be able to save if we wish to. Every year the salary goes up which is great as it will mean a lot of us can increase our savings. I drive to work everyday around 20 miles each way and my wages cover the cost of running my car and allow me disposable income to spend on other luxuries. The fact we get our tuition fees paid for as well is another massive bonus as most uni students come out 10s of thousands of pounds in debt.

There are a lot of opportunities outside of work for us apprentices. I have already done volunteering for local charities such as St Elizabeth's hospice and going into local schools to talk about opportunities post-18. BT is also a huge social company with a great community of people- particularly in the apprentice community. There are leisure and sport clubs onsite with a gym, and sports hall available for a small membership fee.

Yes

It is very well structured and organised. We have 6 monthly rotations which give us the optimal amount of time in each work area. Every week we have 3 days that we work operationally in our teams, then we have one day day release at university, and then we have one on-site study day at work. We are given a lot of structured training and support.There are a lot of opportunities outside of work for us apprentices (volunteering).

Be completely open and honest during the recruitment stages, we have all heard stories of people who tell little lies and end up getting caught up in them. Don't assume you have to be an IT/Computing expert to get into BT, some people have touched IT for years and don't even have a GCSE in it. I would like to have been told how much support you get and that it's not as hard as you may think if you are prepared to put the work in.