Higher Apprentice Review

My current role is working as a Demand and Delivery manager. This involves running a project and making sure that the stakeholders are doing what is needed to progress the project. This will involves weekly meetings and calls. However, in my apprenticeship I rotate roles every 6 months and have spent time in previous areas such as Operations, Test, and Internal Software.

Yes I have learnt plenty of new skills. Prior to the apprenticeship I had no experience of running a call or even working with a wide team to reach a joint goal. My personal skills have developed a huge amount, as well as my technical skills through not only my job role but also through the foundation degree.

I find the programme extremely enjoyable. The work is challenging and engaging. The culture of the work place also make it a fun experience. Everybody is friendly and willing to help on any situation you may have. They will give you as much advice and guidance as they can, or point you in the direction of someone who can help. Working here has exceeded all expectations. I enjoy coming into work.

Very highly valued. BT invest a lot in their apprentices. Not just financially with the foundation degree and NVQ, but also through opportunities in the work place. There are countless chances to experience/learn something new, or work on something that you think you'll find enjoyable. They also treat you as though you are there to learn, and not just the apprentice they get to do the boring jobs.

Extremely well organised. As mentioned there is a structure in place to rotate roles every 6 months. This is always followed. On top of this we also go to university 1 day a week and know well in advance of when those dates will do. There is a good structure and plan in place.

From the NVQ provider I receive a lot of support, and whenever I have any queries or questions I receive a quick response. However, it is slightly the opposite with UoS. They are very poor at responding to emails, I have sent 6 in total to my lecturer and have never received a response back. When asking a question in person however they are very helpful.

BT provide a large amount of support. Each apprentice is provided with a "buddy", who is an apprentice in the year above. The buddy offers support and guidance throughout the apprenticeship. Also, as I have mentioned already, everybody within the company is willing to help. You are never turned away from someone for asking something too silly, or because they cannot be bothered.

Extremely well. The starting wage for the apprenticeship is 14k, rising 3k each year of your apprenticeship. Compared to other apprenticeships this is very well paid, especially considering how low the minimum wage is for an apprentice. On top of this you also get your university fees covered.

Yes there are many opportunities. Apprentices are constantly invited to volunteering events. These may be to do with showing off the apprenticeship, or it can be something completely unrelated such as building a shed for a hospice. There are also corporate events you can get invited to. BT also allow for employee discount on many other external things such as sports clubs.

Yes

The apprenticeship is a perfect way to get into the IT industry. It not only allows you to develop a deep technical knowledge, but also it allows you to build up your personal skills as you move into the working environment. With the rotation structure in place it allows you to find a role that you enjoy, before committing to something you've never tried before. And most importantly, the apprenticeship is fun and enjoyable.

The main piece of advice I'd give is to be enthusiastic. To get an apprenticeship you don't need a technical understanding, it's just important that you're willing and want to learn. Have an open mind of everything that comes your way and be willing to give everything a go as you never know what you'll enjoy. Also, be confident in your abilities. Just because you're coming in as an apprentice, it doesn't mean that you should be shy, and don't have anything to offer the company.